She pleaded guilty to manslaughter, on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

A woman has been given a life sentence after killing a man by stabbing him in the back.

Police received a report that 34-year-old Liam Collier had been stabbed following an incident inside his flat on Sherlock Avenue, Haydock on the evening of May 2, 2025.

Officers went to the property with paramedics, but Liam died from his injuries a short time later.

Kayleigh Smart, 40, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with his murder.

However, in June she pleaded guilty to manslaughter, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Smart, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was reported to be experiencing psychosis at the time of the attack.

Today, she was sentenced to life in prison at Liverpool Crown Court and told she must serve a minimum term of eight years.

A hybrid section 45A order was made which means Smart will remain in hospital for treatment and if released, she will serve the remainder of her sentence in prison.

Det Insp Richard Shillito said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with Liam’s family, and throughout the investigation and court proceedings they have been supported by our specialist officers family liaison officers at this difficult time.

“These investigations can be complex and challenging and I hope that today’s legal proceedings will finally allow Liam’s family to feel some sense of closure and allow them to move on in the grieving process.”