Hospital order for Plymouth killer

Shaun Powney admitted manslaughter

A Plymouth man has been given a hospital and restriction order for killing his father at his home in the city.

Shaun Powney, 51, appeared via video link at Plymouth Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced after admitting killing his 78-year-old father Patrick. He pleaded guilty in June to manslaughter for reasons of diminished responsibility.

Police had been called in the evening of Thursday 18 February to an address in Shelley Way, following reports of concern for the welfare of a man.

Patrick Powney had sustained multiple serious injuries to his torso and head. He died at Derriford Hospital a short time later.

Forensic enquires showed Mr Powney's injuries from the attack were not survivable injuries as a result of the attack.

Shaun Powney was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm and was re-arrested whilst in police custody on suspicion of murder. He was later moved to Langdon Hospital at Dawlish under the Mental Health Act and was charged with murder on 17 March 2021.

Judge Johnson sentenced Shaun Powney to a hospital and restriction order.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Lee Nattrass said: “This has been a detailed investigation which has involved several months of psychiatric evaluation of the offender alongside the criminal investigation. 

“Shaun Powney had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, a plea that the prosecution accepted after considering expert evidence from forensic psychiatrists.

“A hospital and restriction order means that Shaun Powney will not be considered for release back into the community until it is deemed safe for him to do so, although he would always be subject of a supervision order.

“I would like to offer my continuing sympathies to the family of Patrick and hope that todays sentence can help them move forward together”.