Sheffield soldier is locked up for hacking mum to death

Scott Hobson, 32, attacked 59-year-old Margaret Hobson at their house in a quiet suburb of Sheffield with a 4.7in (12cm) kitchen knife.

He carved a cross on her chest, dismembered parts of her body and left her with about 80 different injuries, a judge heard yesterday.

According to the Sheffield Star, Judge Roger Keen told Hobson: “You killed and butchered your mother in the most dreadful and grotesque way.”

The court heard how Hobson was seen later that day wandering around with blood-stained clothes. His mother was found dead at the back door of her house by horrified neighbours.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed Hobson, who has been diagnosed as a schizophrenic, was detained under the Mental Health Act by Judge Keen.

The defendant, of Lister Road, Walkley, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Sheffield Crown Court.

The court heard the unemployed father-of-one, who served in Kosovo with the Territorial Army, was a heavy cannabis user.

Judge Keen was told this cannabis use was not the cause of the mental illness but might have made it worse.

Detective Inspector Vicky Short, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “This is a family tragedy, which has caused great upset and pain to all members of the Hobson family and friends.

“The past few months have been a very difficult time for all who knew Margaret and the family understand fully that Scott needs the appropriate medical assistance for his illness.”

In a statement issued through police, Mrs Hobson’s husband Michael said: “I would like to thank South Yorkshire Police, Victim Support, Trauma Assist and other agencies, which have helped through these difficult times.

“Margaret was a well-liked woman and will be missed by all of us very much.”

Mr Hobson said he would be making no further comment.

Mrs Hobson has been treated for cancer shortly before her death.

Earlier this year, after the killing, Mr Hobson issued a statement which said: “Margaret was so strong in recovering from serious illness and the shock of her untimely death has been so painful to us all. She brought so much joy to all of our lives and will be sorely missed.”

The Crown Prosecution Service’s lawyer in the case, Tim Warburton, said the decision to accept Hobson’s plea of manslaughter was taken after considering psychiatric reports and consulting with the Hobson family.

Mr Warburton said: “Forensic evidence placed Scott with his mother at the time of her attack.

“Scott didn’t confirm or deny his involvement as he was deemed unfit to be interviewed by the police.

“The psychiatric reports informed us that Scott had suffered severe mental health issues and could not be held responsible for his actions.

“There can be no winners in this case.

“The Hobson family are grieving both the loss of Margaret and a sense of loss of Scott.

“I’ve met Scott’s father on a number of occasions throughout this prosecution and have been amazed by the continued dignity demonstrated by him through this personal and tragic ordeal.”