News
A man from Leigh has been jailed after stabbing his neighbour to death
He was found guilty of manslaughter.
Emily Sergeant -
7th July 2025 
A man from Leigh has been convicted and jailed after stabbing his neighbour to death last December.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that 55-year-old Kevin Draper was found to have stabbed Jack O’Brien, 27, multiple times after being let into his house on Siddow Common on Tuesday 3 December 2024.
Police were called to the address at 6:50pm, along with the other emergency services, after Mr O’Brien was taken to a neighbour’s address further along the road, where the occupants phoned for an ambulance.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, Mr O’Brien he died from his injuries.
#JAILED | Man jailed for killing his neighbour in Leigh
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 4, 2025
Kevin Draper (15/09/1969), of Siddow Common Leigh, stabbed Jack O’Brien, 27, multiple times after being let into his house.
More: https://t.co/aZYWWg8IRz pic.twitter.com/RdlwTFjT7z
A murder investigation was subsequently launched following his death, and according to GMP, and it was established from CCTV enquiries that Draper had entered Mr O’Brien’s house and was also seen walking away.
Officers who arrived on scene were told that the incident hadn’t occurred at the location they were called to, so they looked for any signs of blood outside and then followed the blood trail back to Draper’s home address – which ultimately led to his arrest the following day when he returned to the street to collect a pair of trainers.
Draper then went on to claim self-defence, meaning the jury at Manchester Crown Court found him not guilty of murder, but did go on to convict him of manslaughter.
“This sentencing reflects the severity of Draper’s actions and the tragic loss of Jack O’Brien,” commented Detective Inspector Matthew Hamer, of GMP’s Major Incident Team.
“Our thoughts remain with Jack’s family and friends during this difficult time, and we hope this outcome brings some measure of closure to those affected by Draper’s actions.
“This case reaffirms our commitment to ensuring justice is served and our streets remain safe, and we thank local residents for their cooperation and the officers involved for their diligent work in bringing this case to a resolution.”
Tracy O’Brien, Jack’s mother, also released a powerful statement on behalf of the family.
Read more:
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“You [Draper] viciously attacked him, causing deep stab wounds that took his life, but you also took mine,” her statement reads.
“I will never be able to touch, hear or hug my boy again – I just have memories, pictures and his ashes.”
Featured Image – GMP
