A man has received a hospital order after fatally stabbing his uncle in a village in Devon.

Corin Harper-Davis, 37, from Hither Green, London, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility for the death of his uncle, Jonathan Harper.

The 64-year-old was discovered inside a residence in Brampford Speke, near Exeter, on July 31, 2024, after suffering a fatal stab wound.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Harper-Davis, who worked as a director for a video production company in London, was under the impression that his uncle had been abducted and replaced by an imposter who intended to harm him.

The court also noted that Harper-Davis was battling a psychotic condition and an episode of paranoid schizophrenia.

He had traveled to Brampford Speke to stay with his family, who had gathered at his parents’ home.

On the night of the incident, Harper-Davis exhibited strange behavior, which prompted his uncle to comment on it.

The victim succumbed to a stab wound to the chest that penetrated both his heart and lung.

Judge Anna Richardson remarked that Harper-Davis was experiencing “a severe episode of mental illness” combined with paranoid delusions.

She highlighted the tragedy of the situation, noting that his uncle was attempting to provide support and protection before losing his life.

Harper-Davis was handed a Section 37 and 41 hospital order, aimed at safeguarding the public due to a considerable risk of relapse.

Detective Inspector Guy Biggar, from the major crime investigation team of Devon and Cornwall Police, described the situation as “truly tragic.”

He also expressed gratitude and condolences to Jonathan’s partner and son, commending them for their remarkable bravery and compassion during such a challenging time.