Preston man died from brutal assault during dog walk
Jacob Hill given hospital order for random attack on Gary Carlisle
Jacob Hill, a paranoid schizophrenic, has been given a hospital order after killing Preston resident Gary Carlisle during a random and unprovoked attack last year.
Carlisle, a 62-year-old father, was walking his dog in the Moor Nook area early on 12th March 2025 when Hill, acting erratically, targeted him.
CCTV footage captured Hill leaving his home on Burnslack Road before confronting Carlisle on Langden Drive, where he forcefully dragged him to the ground and stamped on his head more than 10 times.
Carlisle suffered catastrophic head injuries and succumbed a week later, despite exhaustive medical efforts.
Witnesses, including a brave bus passenger who attempted to intervene, were shocked by the scene, describing it as "like something out of a horror film."
Hill, with no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Detective Superintendent John McNamara commended the bravery of those who intervened and expressed condolences to Carlisle's family.
Despite Hill's arrest and guilty plea, Carlisle's family felt "let down" by the authorities, concerned that Hill, known to mental health services, posed a danger in the community.
The hospital order issued by Preston Crown Court ensures that Hill remains in a secure psychiatric facility, with restrictions on his release needing approval from the Secretary of State or a mental health tribunal.
In a tribute to Gary, his family said: “Gary was a family man. He loved his family and friends and the community he lived in. He enjoyed his privacy, but was also a man who was well-known in his community, and had built long-standing friendships with the people around him.
“We cannot thank the community enough with how supportive they have been during this horrific time. We had hundreds of people arrive for Gary’s funeral and have since had memorial events where hundreds have attended to show support and an outpouring of love for Gary.
“That shows what kind of man he was. We are forever grateful for the support and kindness that has been shown by everyone. This alone shows not only the impact it has had on us as Gary’s family, but the impact this incident has had on the wider community – Gary’s community.
“He would never have believed the amount of people who have shown up to every event that has been held in his honour and memory.
“Gary always believed and spoke about ‘when it was his time, it was his time.’ He would never have believed that his life would have ended the way it did though. All he would have been thinking on that day was how to get his dog back home and get away from what was happening. He didn’t deserve what happened to him.
“The level of devastation that Gary's death has caused to the family and the impact that it has had on each and every one of us is indescribable and is something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Gary is no longer here and that will never seem fair. No result will ever bring him back. We will miss him immensely and love him always.”
Det Supt John McNamara, of Lancashire Police said: “Gary was simply taking his dog out for a morning walk last spring. He expected to go home and carry on his day. Instead, he was subjected to a vicious assault that cost him his life.
“I want to also commend the actions of the bus passenger, who bravely intervened to attempt to help Gary. They themselves were left injured in this unexpected attack.
“My, and my team’s thoughts remain with Gary’s family and those who knew and loved him at this devastating time. It is abundantly clear from their tribute that he was a well-liked, and well-respected man. They have remained dignified throughout proceedings.
“It isn’t for me to comment on the outcome today, but I do hope that Gary’s family can draw some comfort from the conclusion of judicial proceedings, and can now begin to rebuild their lives.”