The family of Gary Carlisle, who was fatally attacked by a man with paranoid schizophrenia, have voiced their disappointment with the authorities, stating they believe the system failed to protect him. Jacob Hill was sentenced to a hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Tragic Attack in Preston

The family of Gary Carlisle, a 62-year-old dog walker, have expressed their profound disappointment with the authorities, believing they were failed by a system that allowed his killer, Jacob Hill, a 32-year-old man with paranoid schizophrenia, to live unsupervised in the community. The tragic incident occurred on March 12th of last year near Mr. Carlisle’s home in Preston, Lancashire.

Details of the Assault

CCTV footage revealed Hill’s erratic behavior prior to the unprovoked attack. Mr. Carlisle, walking his dog Molly, attempted to evade Hill, but was brutally assaulted, suffering catastrophic brain injuries. Hill chased Mr. Carlisle, jumped on his back, and subjected him to a horrific attack involving repeated kicks and stamps to the head – a scene described by witnesses as resembling a horror film.

A courageous bus passenger attempted to intervene, only to be headbutted by Hill. Police arrived and used tasers to subdue Hill, who was later arrested and confessed to being ‘out of his mind’ at the time of the attack. Mr. Carlisle succumbed to his injuries a week later in hospital.

Family's Anguish and Questions

The victim impact statements delivered in court highlighted the family’s anguish and sense of betrayal. Mr. Carlisle’s sister, Jackie Watters, poignantly described the unfairness of losing her brother and the harrowing experience of witnessing his injuries in intensive care.

His daughter, Simone Hartley, emphasized that Hill was known to mental health services and questioned why he was allowed to pose a risk to the public. The defense acknowledged Hill’s attempts to seek stronger medication in the lead-up to the attack, indicating an awareness of his deteriorating mental state.

Hill's History and Plea

While Hill had a history of arrests for assaults, none had resulted in prosecution. Psychiatrists confirmed Hill’s long-standing and severe psychotic illness, dating back to his teens, and multiple hospitalizations. He initially charged with murder, Hill pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and assault, a plea accepted by the prosecution.

He is currently receiving treatment in a high-security psychiatric facility and is reported to be stable on medication, though prone to relapse. Judge Robert Altham, in sentencing Hill to a hospital order with strict restrictions on his release, acknowledged the unimaginable pain inflicted upon Mr. Carlisle’s family and the incomprehensible brutality of the attack.

Investigation and Ongoing Concerns

Detective Superintendent John McNamara of Lancashire Police commended the bravery of the bus passenger who intervened and expressed his team’s condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Carlisle, describing him as a well-respected member of the community.

The case has ignited a debate about the balance between the rights of individuals with mental illness and the safety of the public, and the need for improved monitoring and support for those living with severe mental health conditions. The family’s plea for change underscores the urgent need to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the care they need while safeguarding the community from harm. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the importance of robust mental health services.