Michael James, the defendant, lived with his one-time partner, Zara Tolley and their children in Sheffield. The relationship was strained and she formed a new relationship with the deceased. On the evening of 16th March 2025 trouble flared at their home address and Tolley called her new partner to the house. Micheal James had already left the property but was able to hear that Tolley was requesting the deceased to attend. This arrangement was against what had been agreed with Social Services regarding the family children. James returned and entered the property. Shortly thereafter the deceased, armed with a knife attended and entered. Once inside he attacked Michael James. James was also armed with a knife and during a struggle, the deceased was stabbed and died of his injuries.
The jury acquitted of murder and convicted James of the lesser offence of manslaughter. He avoided the mandatory life sentence for murder and was instead sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for manslaughter.