42-year-old Hugh McMahon of Westminster Road, Morecambe has been found guilty of manslaughter by a jury following a trial at Preston Crown Court. He was convicted of killing Colin Wilson in Lancaster in November 2012. He was found not guilty of murder.

Police were called to a flat on Cawthorne Street, Lancaster, at around 9.15pm by the ambulance service. On arrival, they found paramedics were treating Mr Wilson for a stab wound to his chest. He was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary but died shortly after arrival.

A major investigation was launched and following a number of enquiries, Hugh McMahon was arrested the following morning and subsequently charged with Mr Wilson’s murder.

Senior investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Barrow from the Force Major Investigation Team said, “McMahon was a habitual knife carrier and on this occasion used his knife to cause a single stab wound to Colin Wilson which sadly killed him.

“The local community were left shocked following this horrific crime, as incidents like this are thankfully very rare in Lancaster. A full and thorough investigation was carried out where members of the local community assisted the police, we are very grateful to those who came forward with information.

“The past few months have been incredibly difficult for the family and friends of Mr Wilson, however they have showed great courage throughout the investigation and the court case and I hope they can find some closure following today’s outcome.”

McMahon will be sentenced on Tuesday 27th March.