Bryan Lilley given hospital order after stabbing brother

His Honour Judge James Burbidge KC said he reached his decision to issue the hospital order after hearing psychiatrists determined Bryan Lilley posed a serious risk to his family and the wider public.

Lilley, formerly of Hever Avenue, Worcester, previously admitted attempted murder at Worcester Crown Court appearing via videolink for sentence on Monday (August 7). 

Prosecutor Tom Walking said Lilley stabbed his brother Jonathan Lilley in the chest with a kitchen knife when he was sleeping. 

The victim survived but said in his personal statement he had become withdrawn from society and suffered flashbacks when he tried to sleep. 

CASE: Bryan Lilley's case was heard at Worcester Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

The court heard that in the weeks before the attack on July 12, 2022, Lilley had spent time sectioned at the Elgar mental health unit of Newtown Hospital. 

Lilley was released on July 8 but, instead of going straight home, he had spent time at a property in St John's taking cocaine. 

After being brought to the family home by his father, Lilley acted strangely.

He was taking things apart in the kitchen as he thought he was being tracked and told his sister cocaine was his "superpower".

Lilley had taken the drug before committing the stabbing and even had to be physically restrained by his father to prevent him from going back to the victim he left in a pool of his blood. 

CLINIC: Reaside Clinic, Rubery (Image: Google)

The prosecutor said: "His father shouted at the defendant he was killing his brother. 

"'Good', Lilley replied."

Nicholas Berry defended Lilley who has previous convictions for ABH and battery. 

He said as the defendant has been diagnosed with schizophrenia he would put the offence as "lesser culpability" within the sentencing guidelines. 

Judge Burbidge said it was clear Lilley had suffered a mental health crisis and his mental health illness that was not just drug-related.

The judge made a hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983 explaining to the defendant he would reside at the Reaside Clinic in Rubery. 

The judge added he was putting special restrictions on the order which he said were necessary to protect the public from severe harm.