Matthew Daley guilty of manslaughter over 'road rage' killing of pensioner Don Lock

Matthew Daley (left) has been found guilty of killing Don Lock. Credit: PA

A man with a decade-long history of mental illness has been found guilty of killing a 79-year-old pensioner in a "road rage" attack.

Matthew Daley screamed "die you f****** c***" as he stabbed retired solicitor Don Lock, 39 times in the head, back, neck and chest in West Sussex on July 16 last year.

Daley was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Lewes Crown Court.

  • The killing

Police at the scene of the killing on the A24 at Findon, near Worthing. Credit: PA

Daley, 35, killed Mr Lock after the pensioner crashed into the back of his car at about 16mph when Daley was forced to break suddenly.

Witnesses said Mr Lock was yelling "help, help, get off me" as Daley attacked him with a four-and-a-half-inch blade.

Mr Lock died at the scene on the A24 at Findon, near Worthing.

  • The victim

Don Lock's family described him a 'perfect role model'. Credit: PA

Don Lock had recently been given the all clear from prostate cancer when he was killed.

He was a lifelong Brighton and Hove Albion fan and a passionate cyclist.

His family described him as "the best" dad, grandad, great-grandad and a "perfect role model".

Visiting the scene of her husband's death, a tearful Maureen Lock told waiting reporters: "We were married for 55 years and it ends like this."

Cyclists led a procession and formed a special guard of honour in tribute to the pensioner at his funeral.

A special guard of honour was formed in tribute to Don Lock at his funeral. Credit: PA

  • The killer

Matthew Daley has a long history of mental health problems. Credit: PA

Matthew Daley had suffered mental health problems for over a decade, his trial heard.

His mother told jurors that her family had "pleaded" with experts to section him as his mental health declined when his parents' relationship broke down.

She also revealed that Daley confessed to the killing just as she was about to enter a police station to express fears that her son may be responsible.

His father broke down in tears giving evidence as he said Mr Lock's death need not have happened if his son had received proper treatment.

A week before the trial, the chief executive of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust apologised to Daley's family, saying their care of him "should have been better".

Daley did not give evidence at the trial.

But he expressed sorrow in a police interview, saying he was "not happy that in the final minutes of his life he was in that much pain, and I don't want to be reminded of it".

"I feel very sorry about what I have done and I don't want to see anything like that happen in my lifetime again."

  • Reaction

Mr Lock's family were in court to hear the verdict.

ITV News Reporter Sally Lockwood said: