A family say they have finally got 'justice' after the killer of their 'caring' and loving' relative was jailed for life.
William Phelan, 39, was stabbed to death by 42-year-old Matthew Jones at the flat they shared in Harpurhey.
Both suffered from mental health problems and had become friends.
But Jones murdered Mr Phelan, known to friends and family as 'Willy', in a 'savage' attack stabbing him to death then trying to cut his head off.
Police were only able to first interview Jones a year later, when he was deemed fit after being sectioned.
Now three years after the killing, Jones has been found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 20 years.
His family say they will be 'forever tortured' by what happened to Mr Phelan.
His mother and sister were in court to watch as Jones was sentenced.
After the hearing, his family said: "William was the kindest, most-caring and loving person you could wish to meet.
"He would do anything for anyone – he would give you his last penny if he thought he could help you.
"Possessions meant nothing to him and family meant everything.
"He had a hard life living with his mental illness and struggled on a day-to-day basis but through it all he remained the Willy we all know and love.
"He would make us laugh no matter how hard life got and would always be there if you needed someone to talk to – a heart of gold!
"Our family will be forever tortured by the pain of what has happened to him – so cruel and sickening.
"But in the words William once said: ‘no matter how hard life gets you down, you just have to smile and be happy’.
"Just be happy – so with that in mind we said we will continue with our lives in the belief that one day we will meet again.
"We will forever hold him in our hearts.
"We finally have justice for William, and he can now rest in peace.”
Detective Inspector Nicola McCulloch, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: "This has been a traumatic three years for William’s family who have not only had to suffer such an inconceivable loss, but also patiently wait for justice.
"They have shown such tremendous bravery and dignity throughout and I hope that today’s verdict offers them some closure on the worst time of their lives.
"This was a tragic case where a man murdered someone who was supposed to be his friend and left their loves ones with such insufferable consequences.
"Today’s verdict has ensured that Jones is punished for his shocking and fatal actions, while hopefully getting the treatment he needs.
"This investigation by its nature has had delays and setbacks, not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic, but our dedicated team have ensured throughout that no stone is left unturned and that justice is ultimately delivered for the family and loved ones of William, who will never be forgotten.”
