Tragic Hammer Murder: Pensioner Found Guilty of Killing Neighbour
Alan Fare, 73, from Nelson, has been handed a hospital order after being found guilty of murdering 58-year-old Mandy Houghton. The shocking attack happened at Mandy’s home on Victoria Close in June 2020.
Man Walks into Police Station Saying He “Thought He Killed Someone”
Just before 11am on June 3, 2020, Fare arrived at Burnley Police Station and confessed he believed he had killed someone.
Police rushed to Mandy’s house and found her unresponsive in the hallway. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A home office post-mortem revealed she died from severe head injuries caused by a hammer attack.
Dementia Diagnosed Pensioner Deemed Unfit to Plead
Due to dementia, Fare was ruled unfit to enter a plea. The court held a trial of facts where a jury examined the evidence and found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Fare received an indeterminate hospital order, meaning he will remain detained indefinitely for treatment.
Family Devastated but Grateful for Verdict
“Mandy was a caring and compassionate lady who often helped Alan Fare,” said Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Willis. “In the weeks before her death, Mandy had become worried about Alan’s strange behaviour. The brutal attack was sudden and unexplained.”
Mandy’s family said: “We are grateful he’s been found guilty, but justice feels hollow. Mandy is gone forever. Our lives have been destroyed. We know she would want us to carry on and hope she is watching over us.”
The case has left the local community shaken, mourning a much-loved mum, sister, and granny lost far too soon.
