Leeds teenager who killed his grandmother still awaiting sentence due to hospital-bed delay
A teenager who killed his grandmother is still awaiting sentence, almost a year on from admitting responsibility.
Brandon Skelton pleaded guilty in February to the manslaughter of 60-year-old Mandy Barnett in 2023.
Due to his mental state, a hospital order is the likely sentence, meaning he will be held in a secure hospital.
However, a bed is still yet to become available at Newton Lodge, Wakefield.
The case was brought back before Leeds Crown Court recently where it was heard that Skelton is “next in the queue” for a bed.
Prosecutor Michael Smith KC said: “We are still in the same position but there is some hope he will be dealt with soon.”
It is anticipated that a place will become available for the 19-year-old at the end of January.
A new sentencing hearing has been pencilled in for February 13, should Skelton be moved to Newton Lodge by that time.
Skelton, who was not in attendance for the hearing, will remain in custody in the meantime.
Mrs Barnett was brutally killed at an address on Prince Edward Grove, near Wortley on October 23, 2023. Police had been called to the property at around 11pm.
She was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Skelton, of Leasowe Close, Hunslet, was swiftly arrested and charged. He was only 17 at the time and has been held in a secure unit since.
He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the Crown after he was initially charged with murder.
The hospital order is a likely outcome rather than a full jail sentence - meaning he will be held in a secure unit until he is deemed well enough to either be released or sent to a prison to complete his sentence.