Man pleads guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility

A man has pleaded guilty to killing a retired priest at the County Hospital in Stafford.

Police were called to reports of an assault shortly before 8pm on 17 February 2021 at the County Hospital. Sadly, the victim, Oliver Kemp, who was 82-years-old and from Stone, died in hospital on 23 February as a result of the injuries he sustained.
 
Fr. Kemp’s next of kin continues to be supported by specially-trained officers.

Joseph David Phillips, 33, of Stafford, denied murdering Fr. Kemp but pleaded guilty today (Thursday 7 July) at Stafford Crown Court to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan, said: “This is a terribly sad case. In pleading to this, the defendant has taken responsibility for his actions. Our thoughts remain very much with the next of kin of Fr. Kemp.”
 
Phillips is due to be sentenced on Tuesday 6 September.