Woman sentenced over fatal stabbing of man in Haydock
Kayleigh Smart will serve a minimum of eight years in prison
Last updated 15th Sep 2026
A woman has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of eight years after the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Liam Collier in Haydock.
Kayleigh Smart, 40, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (15th September) after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Fatal stabbing in Haydock
Police were called on the evening of 2nd May 2025 following reports that Liam had been stabbed in the back during an incident inside his flat on Sherlock Avenue.
Officers attended alongside North West Ambulance Service, but Liam sadly died from his injuries at the scene a short time later.
Smart was initially arrested and charged with murder. However, in June this year she pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Smart has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was reported to have been experiencing psychosis at the time of the attack.
The court sentenced Smart to life in prison, with a minimum term of eight years.
A hybrid Section 45A order was also made, meaning Smart will remain in hospital for treatment. If she is released from hospital, she will serve the remainder of her sentence in prison.
Detective Inspector Richard Shillito said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with Liam’s family, and throughout the investigation and court proceedings they have been supported by our specialist officers family liaison officers at this difficult time.
“These investigations can be complex and challenging and I hope that today’s legal proceedings will finally allow Liam’s family to feel some sense of closure and allow them to move on in the grieving process.”