Pensioner who sought help for mental health issues killed neighbour he thought was spying on him
A pensioner who killed his neighbour in a “frenzied” knife attack the day after seeking mental health help has been given an indefinite hospital order.
Peter Weldon, 69, killed his 52-year-old neighbour, Stuart Noble, believing Noble was spying on him, in October 2020.
On 7 October, Weldon attended an urgent appointment at The Bridge mental health unit in Wells, after his GP referred him due to a deterioration in his mental state, but was told there was no hospital bed available.
The next day, the pensioner went to Noble's house and attacked him, stabbing him to death.
Weldon, from Oakhill, Radstock, was initially charged with murder in October last year following the fatal stabbing but he later admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
Police were alerted to the crime just after midday on 8 October when Weldon contacted police and stated that he had stabbed Noble following an argument.
On arrival at the victim’s home in The Maltings, Oakhill, officers found Noble deceased on the kitchen floor of the property with Weldon standing over his body.
A coroner’s report concluded that he died as a result of multiple stab wounds to his face, neck and torso.
Weldon was arrested at the scene and charged with murder just under a week later.
Appearing before Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, Weldon was issued with an indefinite hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act after entering a guilty plea to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
Following his death, Noble’s family issued a tribute to him, stating: "We as a family are truly heart broken and shocked beyond words that Stuart’s life has been taken away so tragically.
“Stuart will leave a gap in our family but will remain in our hearts forever."
Senior investigating officer DCI Mark Almond said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Stuart Noble at this very difficult time.
“We’d like to thank them and the wider community for their support during our investigation into this tragic incident."
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