Longton pensioner's killer will enter guilty plea this week, court told

Lawyers for a woman accused of stabbing a 75-year-old man have told a judge she will admit his manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
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Raymond Conlan died shortly after being found at a house in Cedar Grove in Longton, near Preston, at around 3.50am on March 6.

He was found inside the property with serious injuries to his head and body, and was treated by paramedics at the scene but sadly died.

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A Home Office post mortem examination confirmed his death was due to stab injuries.

The scene of the tragedyThe scene of the tragedy
The scene of the tragedy

Elizabeth Birtwistle, of no fixed address, was arrested and later detained under the Mental Health Act.

The 32-year-old was not able to appear at Preston Crown Court by video link due to technical issues but will appear on February 19 to formally enter her plea.

Prosecuting, Gordon Cole said a report by an expert indicated she has long standing and complex mental health problems. He added: "The primary diagnosis is one of paranoid schizophrenia."

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Defending, Shirlie Duckworth said her client would enter a not guilty plea to murder, but a guilty plea to manslaughter on Friday.

Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, ordered her to be produced from Guild Lodge in person to avoid the same technical issues.

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