West Boldon
Domestic Homicide
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RR64211
SOUTH TYNESIDE MAN WHO BELIEVED HE WAS FIGHTING THE DEVIL KILLED HIS PARTNER
At 41 years old, Daniel Johnson was convicted of the manslaughter of his partner, Gemma Finnigan, at their home in South Tyneside back in 2013.
An inquest uncovered that Johnson, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, believed she was under demonic possession.
Following this belief, he stabbed and strangled her after telling medical professionals he thought he was fighting the devil within her.
Johnson admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was handed a life sentence in November 2014, with the requirement that he serve at least 20 years before being eligible for release on parole.
During the proceedings, it was stated that Johnson claimed innocence, saying he had gone as far as destroying the devil.
His criminal history includes a murder conviction at age 15, which the family of Ms.
Finnigan was unaware of.
The court heard that his mental health issues heavily influenced his actions, leading to his detention in a secure hospital following initial custody at Durham Prison.
The judge characterized him as someone 'prone to mental health episodes' and acknowledged that he remained a potential danger to the public.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
ing the devil within her. Johnson admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was handed a life sentence in November 2014, with the requirement that he serve at least 20 years before being eligible for releas...
Life or indeterminate sentence
20 years
Johnson admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was handed a life sentence in November 2014, with the requirement that he serve at least 20 years before being eligible for release on parole
