Somerset man sentenced to indefinite hospital order for killing

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 19:21 · Archive

Graham Janes has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after fatally attacking Colin Lawson, who had taken him into his home.

Graham Janes, 50, of Peartree Drive in Chard, Somerset, has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order at Bristol Crown Court after he admitted killing Colin Lawson. Janes fatally attacked Lawson on 22 August 2025 at Lawson's home in Mare Lane, South Petherton, while Janes was experiencing mental health difficulties. Lawson, 43, had taken Janes into his home to help him during this period.

Lawson, who had severely impaired vision, suffered multiple injuries including stab wounds during the attack, which took place in front of his family. Despite efforts by police and paramedics, he died of his injuries at the scene. Dominic Redding, whose mother Josephine was in a relationship with Lawson, suffered an injury to his arm when he attempted to intervene during the attack.

Janes was initially charged with murder, but following assessment by consultant forensic psychiatrists, it was agreed that his mental health substantially contributed to his actions. He therefore pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and actual bodily harm. In a statement read out in court, Josephine said losing her partner of five years had 'broken' her heart, describing Lawson as 'my greatest source of support'.

How it is being reported

• Man sentenced after 'kind and loving' man killed in front of loved onesGraham Janes pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the tragic attackSomersetLive · 5 Nov, 19:55
• Man given indefinite hospital order after killingGraham Janes fatally attacked Colin Lawson while he was suffering from mental health difficulties in 2025.BBC Somerset · 5 Nov, 19:00
• 'Kind, loving' Somerset man killed at home in front of his loved onesGraham Janes killed Colin Lawson after he took him into his home in South Petherton last yearSomerset County Gazette · 5 Nov, 17:31

In this story: Graham Janes · Colin Lawson · Dominic Redding · South Petherton · Bristol Crown Court · Avon and Somerset Police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log