The state murder trial of Tony Mangione took a dramatic turn this morning when his legal team abruptly withdrew the psychiatric defence. The decision follows a surprise ruling from the Court of Appeal which effectively blocked key medical testimony. Mangione, 42, is accused of the 2022 stabbing of off-duty police officer David Kempton outside a Manchester pub.
The original defence strategy centred on diminished responsibility, citing a history of severe depression and psychosis. However, after the appellate judges found that the prosecution's expert had not been given adequate access to Mangione's medical records, the defence chose to drop the claim rather than proceed without their own expert's full evidence. This was not a tactical retreat but a forced repositioning,"
said defence solicitor Angela Briggs outside the Manchester Crown Court. We have a compelling case on the facts. The psychiatric evidence was a layer, not the foundation."
The prosecution now intends to proceed on a charge of murder, with the trial expected to conclude next week. Legal observers note that without the partial defence of diminished responsibility, Mangione faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted. Kempton's widow, Sarah, watched from the public gallery as the announcement was made.
She declined to comment. The court has instructed the jury to disregard all previous references to Mangione's mental state.
