MMA fan stabbed his girlfriend, 22, in the breast just days before murdering her in ‘rageful and violent attack’
AN MMA fan stabbed his girlfriend in the breast just days before murdering her in a “rageful and violent attack”.
Kevin Mannion assaulted his partner Elinor O’Brien on August 14 last year.
Two days later, he carried out a fatal attack after the couple got into an argument.
A row broke out at Mannion’s Manchester apartment after Elinor asked if he was seeing other women.
It comes after Mannion revealed another woman he had been seeing had told him she was pregnant a few weeks before.
Mannion, 45, then launched into a rage plunging a knife into Elinor’s groin.
The pair were friends before they started attending gym classes together which included circuits, MMA and mixed martial arts.
They then decided to become a couple.
Liverpool Crown Court heard several assaults were carried out on Elinor, 22, during the eight-month relationship.
The young woman had reported the domestic abuse to cops – but was too scared to name Mannion as the abuser.
Elinor even invented a violent ex-boyfriend to explain away black eyes and bruises to family and friends.
She also used a false name when she needed hospital treatment for her injuries.
Mannion, who has previous convictions for violence, called 999 just before 12.30pm on August 16 after his final attack.
The thug told police Elinor had been “pierced” by “something in her belongings” when he threw her bags at her during a fight, reports Manchester Evening News.
And during his murder trial Mannion said he found Elinor lying in the hallway outside his flat before calling for help.
However, after three weeks the jury found him guilty of murder, wounding with intent and coercive or controlling behaviour.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC told Mannion: “The only sentence that I can impose on count 1 [murder] on this indictment is life imprisonment.
“I have to determine the minimum term and I need some help from all counsel.”
Elinor’s family have since paid tribute to her.
Cousin Mollie Lune said: “Elinor was absolutely beautiful, stunning, she had her whole life ahead of her, and it was cruelly snatched away.
“Her funeral was absolutely packed with her friends and family, all distraught.
“We threw vapes onto her coffin, along with the roses.
“She would have smiled at that. We all miss her so much.
“All we can hope for now is to save another life, in her name.”
Mannion, of Watson Street, Manchester, will be sentenced on Thursday.
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.