The family of a man from Cheltenham who was killed by his neighbour have released a statement. James Henry Mayo, 80, was attacked in his flat at Welland Court, Prestbury, by 64-year-old Jonathan Moore on April 14 last year.
Gloucestershire Police said Moore inflicted a significant amount of blunt and sharp force injuries to Mr Mayo in the hallway of the flat. A post-mortem concluded he died as a result of multiple penetrating injuries to the head and trunk of his body.
His family have thanked a neighbour who called the emergency services following the fatal assault. They also thanked the police family liaison officer who has helped them during “the most darkest and difficult times”.
Moore was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order last Friday afternoon, January 10. Bristol Crown Court heard how he was suffering from delusions and paranoia before the brutal attack.
Following the sentencing Mr Mayo’s family released a statement, it reads: “On behalf of the family of Jim, we would like to show our appreciation and gratitude to all of the people and services that assisted following this brutal attack on 14 April 2024: the other neighbour who placed the emergency call, the Careline telephone service, the 999 emergency service, the police teams, ambulance personnel, the coroner, the Crown Prosecution Service and the legal team.
“The professional services involved often don’t get the recognition they all deserve, most saying ‘I’m just doing my job’. This is a heartfelt thank you for the help, support and sensitivity you have all shown during this tragic event.
“The police family liaison officer assigned has been with us during the most darkest and difficult times. We will always be grateful for the sensitive care and compassion she has shown during our time of need and understanding.
“We hope justice has been served on Jonathan Moore for this brutal killing of an innocent elderly man. Now we request that Jim can rest in peace.”
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Usher said: “This was a horrific and sustained attack on a defenceless man, that has had a devastating impact on the family. This sentence allows Moore to be detained indefinitely in an appropriate institution where he can receive the support he needs.”
‘Frenzy and sustained’ attack
Jonathan Moore, 63, who fatally attacked James Henry Mayo, 80, in his flat in Prestbury, Cheltenham
(Image: PA)
Moore, who had worked as a software engineer and had no previous convictions, was arrested on suspicion of murder and later pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Bristol Crown Court heard Moore, who had no history of mental health or violence issues, had been behaving increasingly erratically in the weeks before the incident.
The court heard Moore became more and more paranoid in the weeks before the incident took place. Moore reported being stalked, that his telephone was hacked, that his flat was under surveillance and that he was being harassed by a man he believed to be his former colleague.
He wrongly believed that he was being stalked by a man he believed to be a former work colleague and that Mr Mayo was involved in the conspiracy against him. The judge said he carried out a “brutal and frenzied attack” in a hallway before Mr Mayo later died.
Moore had inflicted a significant amount of blunt and sharp force injuries to Mr Mayo, armed as he was with two screwdrivers and a car steering wheel lock.. A post-mortem concluded he died as a result of multiple penetrating injuries to the head and trunk of his body.