Wythenshawe man jailed after stabbing friend to death in argument over TV remote
Scott Thomson sentenced at Manchester Crown Court after argument over TV remote led to fatal attack
A man from Wythenshawe has been jailed for 18 years for the murder of 47-year-old James Murray, following a violent altercation in December 2024.
Scott Thomson, 57, of Skye Walk, Wythenshawe, was sentenced today (Friday 20th June 2025) at Manchester Crown Court after being found guilty of fatally stabbing Mr Murray during an argument at Thomson’s flat.
Emergency services were called to Whitburn Road, Wythenshawe, at around 8pm on 4th December 2024, to reports of a collapsed male. James Murray was discovered with a stab wound to his chest and despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as a single stab wound to the chest.
Following the incident, police traced a trail of blood from the scene to Thomson’s nearby flat, uncovering further evidence of the confrontation. It emerged that an argument between the two men over a TV remote control escalated, culminating in Thomson stabbing Murray once in the chest with a knife.
Thomson fled the scene but later approached officers the next day and admitted his involvement. He was arrested and subsequently charged with murder.
Victim's family: 'There is no way to fully express the depth of pain and loss'
In a moving victim impact statement read in court, James Murray’s son described the profound effect his father's murder has had on him and his family.
He said:
“There is no way to fully express the depth of pain and loss that my father's murder has caused.
“My dad, James, was funny, laid back, and incredibly personable. He had a gift for making people laugh, often by winding us up in a way that only he could.
“That was his way—he brought joy and light into every room he entered. He may not have been an angel, he may not have lived the best life, but he was my dad.
“Since the day he was taken from us, my life has changed completely. I am constantly reminded of what has happened. I consistently feel the pain of his murder, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t feel the weight of his absence.
“I struggle to sleep. I struggle to have a 'normal' day. Even the simplest things have become difficult without him here.
“What hurts the most is knowing that due to Scott Thompson taking my dad’s life, I no longer have the opportunity to create new memories with my dad or share my life with him. No milestones, no quiet chats, no laughter, no future together.
“The loss of his life is greater than just the loss of a person—it’s the loss of time, connection, and a relationship that can never be replaced.
“No sentence can bring him back, but I hope justice can reflect the seriousness of the pain inflicted on our family, and the irreplaceable life that was taken from us.
“The way in which James was taken from the world is a constant memory, a constant image for which I will never be able to unsee and this being solely due to Scott Thomson’s actions on the 4th December 2024.
“I want Scott Thomson to know his actions will never be forgotten or forgiven.”
Police: 'A tragic and totally avoidable incident'
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe from Greater Manchester Police said:
“Firstly, our thoughts remain with James’ family and friends at this time.
“This was a tragic and totally avoidable incident that highlights the devastating impact knife crime can have. There is no doubt that this issue could have been resolved without weapons.
“Today’s sentencing should be a strong deterrent for those carrying and using a knife.”
Thomson will now serve 18 years behind bars for taking the life of a man described as bringing “joy and light into every room he entered.”