Man given hospital order for killing his mum at her home in Maghull
Family of Phyllis Daly pay tribute after sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court
A man who admitted killing his mum at her home in Maghull has been given a hospital order.
At Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 6th November, 45-year-old Graham Daly was sentenced for the killing.
He had pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility during a hearing at the same court in July.
His mum, 70-year-old Phyllis Daly, was found dead at her home on Clent Road in Maghull in July 2025.
Merseyside Police said she had suffered significant injuries.
Daly was later detained by police officers in the beer garden of a pub in Lancashire.
Police statement
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall said: "Phyllis's family and loved ones have been left devastated by their senseless loss, and the circumstances surrounding her death have made it even harder for them to come to terms with what has happened."
He added: "They have shown immense courage and dignity throughout the criminal investigation and the complex legal proceedings that have followed."
He also said: "No sentence or court outcome can ever bring Phyllis back. However, I hope that today's court sentencing provides the family with some measure of acknowledgment of the harm that they have been caused."
He said: "While this cannot end their suffering, I hope it marks an important step for them."
Family tribute
Following the sentencing, Phyllis's family issued a tribute.
They said: "Phyllis was the most compassionate person anyone could wish to know. The love, support and encouragement she gave so naturally to others was unwavering. Phyllis' world revolved around her family. She was a wonderful wife and mum, as well as being a loving sister, nana, auntie, cousin and friend to many."
They added: "As a family, we were blessed to have had such a vibrant, fun, thoughtful and caring lady to guide us through life. She was our family's beating heart. Phyllis had a genuine warmth about her and a smile that could light up any room. She knew how to live, making the most of every opportunity to enjoy life and create precious memories with us."
They also said: "Today marks the end of the criminal proceedings, but it does not bring an end to our grief and pain. Nothing ever will. We are grateful to Merseyside Police for their thorough investigation into Phyllis' death. We extend our thanks to the investigation team led by Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall, our wonderful family liaison officers who have helped us navigate the lowest points of our lives and the police officers who supported us at the time of the incident. They have all treated us with care and compassion and kept Phyllis at the heart of their work."
Son-to-mother abuse campaign
Separately, Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner launched a campaign last week, alongside The First Step, Knowsley's domestic abuse support service.
The campaign highlights son-to-mother abuse, a form of domestic abuse that often goes unrecognised.
Merseyside Police said it can involve coercive and controlling behaviour, intimidation, threats, financial exploitation, criminal damage and physical violence.
The campaign aims to help people understand the warning signs and reassure those affected that support is available.