A man who admitted killing his mother at her home in Maghull has been given a hospital order. Graham Daly, 45, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, 6 November, for the death of his 70-year-old mother, Phyllis Daly.

The plea

Daly had pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at a hearing at the same court in July. He had originally been charged with murder, which he denied, but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted the lesser plea after senior-level consideration. Judge Neil Flewitt KC said he understood and agreed with the decision. The case was adjourned after the July hearing so a date could be set for sentence, with Daly remanded into custody in the meantime.

How she was found

Mrs Daly was found dead at her home on Clent Road in Maghull shortly after 1pm on Sunday, 13 July 2025. Daly was arrested the same afternoon at the Stanley Arms pub in Aughton and detained under the Mental Health Act. He has remained in a secure hospital since, appearing at court by video link from Ashworth Hospital.

What the order means

A hospital order means Daly will be detained in hospital for treatment rather than serving a prison term.

Family tribute and police

Mrs Daly's family paid tribute to her after the sentencing. Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall, of Merseyside Police, said no sentence or court outcome could ever bring Phyllis back.