Mother's Day Attacker May Never Be Freed

A paranoid schizophrenic who stabbed his mother to death on Mother’s Day has been told he may never be freed.

John Charles Coburn attacked his mother at her home in the village of Kells and Connor on 3 April 2011.

He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Antrim Crown Court.

35-year-old Coburn claims he still hears his mother Lynn talking to him through his TV.

Mr Justice Burgess imposed a minimum tariff of five years but said it was the equivalent of a life sentence.

Coburn's 32-year-old brother Andrew was also injured in the attack.

The court heard that Coburn and his 53-year-old mother were chatting when screams were heard and the defendant was found attacking his mother with a knife.

Coburn then attacked his brother, who left the property to seek help.

The defendant was arrested at the scene.

Coburn had been diagnosed as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia before he attacked his mother.

He had been under medical supervision and was prescribed medication, but the court heard he engaged poorly with psychiatric services.

Coburn is also said to have abused alcohol and drugs in the past.

Mr Justice Burgess noted medical reports which indicated there was still work to be done before a proper assessment of Mr Coburn's medical condition and treatment could be made.

(IT)