Salford Man Jailed For Killing His Son

12 September 2011, 15:11 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Salford man's starting an indefinite jail sentence after admitting killing his own son after an argument at his home in Higher Broughton.

Michael Skeffington of Agnes Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Manchester Crown Court.

He was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence for public protection. He must serve a minimum of two and a half years before being considered eligible for parole.

On Thursday 7 April, 29-year-old Daniel Skeffington died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Michael Skeffington was due to move back to his native Republic of Ireland that day, the night before Daniel and his brother had gone to Michael's house on Agnes Street to help him pack.

All three men had been drinking, as was the norm whenever they would visit Michael.

An argument then broke out between Michael and Daniel. Michael pulled out a kitchen knife and as the pair struggled Daniel was stabbed in the chest.

Daniel was taken to hospital but died a short time later. Michael was arrested at the house.

Senior Investigating Officer Andy Tattersall said:

'This is a tragic set of circumstances which resulted in Daniel's death.

'There are no winners in this case. The court heard that Michael Skeffington has had to deal with a number of issues in his life and while he was responsible for his son's death, the responsibility is diminished by these other factors.

'Our thoughts go out to the Skeffington family.'