Copyright manchestereveningnews
A man stabbed his mum to death before attacking his dad and sister in a 'rampage of violence'. Benjamin Obinim, 23, was under the 'delusional' belief that his mum, Alberta Obinim, and sister, Bernice Obinim, were 'witches' and had put something into his chest. In August last year, at around 11pm, he barged into his sister's bedroom, attacking her with a knife, before the violence spilled out onto the street. Neighbours watched on in horror as he repeatedly stabbed his mum, his dad and his sister. Alberta, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene. Obinim's dad, Joshua Obinim, 64, suffered significant internal injuries and remains in hospital. Bernice, 18, was left with serious injuries to her face and body, a court heard. Police found Obinim sitting in his car nearby with the blood-stained knife. He was arrested and taken to Ashworth hospital where he has remained ever since. He has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and still believes something was implanted into his body. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE Today at Minshull Street Crown Court, after previously pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and two offences of wounding with intent, he was handed a hospital order. Martin Reid KC, prosecuting, said that Alberta Obinim had raised concerns about her son's mental health in the weeks leading up to the attack. "The defendant held the delusional belief that his mother and one of his sisters were witches and had put something into his chest that was hurting him," said Mr Reid. CCTV showed Obinim leaving a hotel, where he was living at the time, on August 18 last year, arriving at the family home at 11pm. His family had returned to their home on Barnard Road, in Gorton , at around 10.30pm having spent the day at church. They were awoken by the screaming of Obinim's sister as he attacked her in her bedroom. Joshua Obinim came out of his bedroom and tried to reason with him, saying: "You're my only son, do you want to kill me?" He also told his son: "Your sister, she hasn't done anything, you're scaring her." Bernice Obinim tried to barricade herself in a room using a wardrobe with another of Obinim's sisters before jumping out of the window to escape, the court heard. During the attack the other sister called the police. Obinim was also heard to say that the 'witches were going to sacrifice' him. As his mother, sister and father ran from the house, Obinim attacked them. His youngest sister was able to seek refuge in a neighbour's house. "One witness saw the defendant on top of his mother, stabbing her," said Mr Reid. "His sister, Bernice, ran towards a neighbour's house as the defendant followed her and continued to stab her. "Several witnesses saw the defendant moving back and forth between his family members and stabbing them." As police arrived, they found Alberta Obinim face down on the ground, having sustained 16 to 17 stab wounds. Despite the best efforts of attending paramedics and police, she sadly died at the scene. In comments made to the police, Obinim said: "Do you know they are planning to kill all the White people and the gays, they are planning something." Joshua Obinim was found nearby with multiple stab wounds to his face, torso and limbs. Treatment is ongoing, as significant wounds have not fully closed. Bernice Obinim, 18, suffered stab wounds to her face, neck, thigh and chest. She required plastic surgery as part of her treatment. Mr Reid said that the family did not wish to provide a victim impact statement, but said: "They indicate that they forgive the defendant. Their primary concern is his wellbeing." Giving evidence as to Obinim's mental health, Dr Ronan Brennan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, agreed with Obinim's barrister Richard Littler KC, that the offence is attributed to his mental health disorder. He confirmed that a prison environment would heighten the risk of relapse, and the public would not be better protected if he was jailed. He said his condition could be better managed in a hospital setting. The court heard that there were internet searches made on Obinim's phone says before the attack about stabbings. Dr Brennan said these were most likely to be a product of his 'grossly abnormal mental state' as he believed he was at risk. Sentencing, Mr Justice Turner said: "On August 18 last year, you carried out what can only be described as a rampage of violence." Obinim, of Barnard Road, Gorton, was handed a section 37 hospital order with a section 41 restriction order under the Mental Health Act, meaning he cannot be discharged from hospital until deemed safe to himself and the public. Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe, from GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said: "This was a tragic act of extreme violence that has deeply affected the community. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their family as they continue to recover from this horrific ordeal. "The incident left the Gorton community in shock, with neighbours and residents expressing their condolences and support for the Obinim family.”
