Anthony Paul Bennett sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of Joe O’Hanlon
Date published: 02 November 2016
Anthony Paul Bennett (13/10/73) has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years at Manchester Crown Court for the murder of 61-year-old Joseph O’Hanlon earlier this year.
He has also received concurrent sentences of two and 18 months for two further cases.
Joseph’s body was discovered on Monday 2 May after police were called to a flat in Town Mill Brow on College Bank. He died as a result of multiple injuries.
Joseph’s wife Linda and Linda’s son Francis who he brought up from the age of seven have paid tribute to him: “Joe was a wonderful man who had a heart of gold and often went out of his way to help others.
“He was much loved by those closest to him.
“Joe was taken from us in April in completely unnecessary circumstances. We believe it was his kindness and vulnerability that put him in a position of danger.
“We cannot express how devastated we are that his life has been stolen from him.
“We miss Joe every minute of every day
“His killer has now been sentenced, and justice has been served.
“We can try to repair our heartache although no matter how long the sentence is, it will not bring Joe back or make our loss any easier.
“We need to attempt to move on and hopefully today will now provide closure for our pain over the last six months, however, we will never forget Joe or the many memories he has given us.
“On behalf of us all, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Greater Manchester Police, and the Crown Prosecution Service for their continued support and professionalism in this matter.”
Senior Investigating Officer Bob Tonge from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “This was a senseless killing of a kind and generous vulnerable man.
“The injuries inflicted upon Joe by Bennett were sadistic and unnecessary.
“Joseph was a good man, but people took advantage of him.
“Anthony Bennett was a violent individual and one of those people who took advantage of Joseph’s good nature and ultimately killed him.
“Joseph’s family now have to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives.”
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