Woman admits killing 'larger than life' dad

A woman has admitted killing a "larger than life" dad who was stabbed to death.

Gerard Hand was critically injured during the incident at a house on Church Walk in Bootle. He later died in hospital aged 44.

Amanda McDonnell, of no fixed address, was due to go on trial at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday, accused of his murder. However, the 43-year-old instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

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This plea was deemed acceptable by the prosecution, and the murder count will therefore not be proceeded with. McDonnell will now be sentenced next month, and was remanded into custody until this date by Judge Neil Flewitt KC.

The ECHO previously reported that Merseyside Police were called to the address at around 7.45am on November 22 last year. A 42-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of murder, but was later released.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer said following Mr Hand's death: "This is a tragic incident in which a man has sadly lost his life. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and specialist officers are currently supporting them."

Tributes were also paid by his family, who said in a statement: "Gerard was fun-loving and full of life. People who knew Gerard have fond memories and stories to tell.

"He was a larger-than-life character who loved to be around friends and family. Gerard was happy to share a word with anyone he met.

"Gerard was generous and kind - he would open his door to others even during the more difficult times of his life. Gerard didn’t deserve his life to be taken from him in this way and will never be forgotten by the family, friends and daughter he has been taken from."

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