Teenager convicted of Atherton murder

A teenager has been found guilty of murdering a man in Atherton.

The 17-year-old had previously admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Paul Marsh, 49, was stabbed in his right shoulder by the teenager.

The knife severed a major blood vessel and Mr Marsh suffered a cardiac arrest and died soon after.

Mr Marsh was at a friend’s house on 17 November 2023 with others. As the evening progressed, there was tension between Mr Marsh and the then 16-year-old boy.

Following a verbal altercation, Mr Marsh and the teenager squared up to each other, a scuffle followed, and Mr Marsh was stabbed in the shoulder.

The teenager fled the scene, and an ambulance was called.

When the emergency services arrived, around 6.20pm, Mr Marsh was already in cardiac arrest. Attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he sadly died.

The teenager was traced and arrested. He claimed that Mr Marsh was the aggressor and had the knife. 

He also said that Mr Marsh had stabbed himself accidentally during the struggle.

Following a postmortem, the cause of death was confirmed as the stab wound to the shoulder and resulting blood loss.

The pathologist also confirmed that in their opinion it would have been almost impossible for the injury to have been inflicted in the manner alleged by the teenager.

Whilst awaiting trial for the murder, the teenager made calls to friends and family in an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

He was found guilty of murder on Wednesday 27 March 2024 at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Sentencing will take place on 8 May 2024.

Richard Holliday, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “The teenager armed himself with a knife and inflicted a fatal injury on Mr Marsh.

“Far from being remorseful for his actions, he fled the scene and then attempted to evade responsibility by claiming Mr Marsh had stabbed himself.

“The CPS worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case, producing evidence at court that disproved the 17-year old’s version of events.

“My thoughts are with the friends and family of Mr Marsh.”