Man admits murder over 'frenzied' stabbing of ex-partner's mum

Michael Dorey violently attacked Jacqueline Grant at the flat in Maryhill but later claimed he had no memory of the incident.

Man who stabbed ex-partner’s mum 34 times in ‘frenzied’ killing admits murder Police Scotland

A man who murdered his ex-partner’s mother claimed he could not remember doing it.

Michael Dorey left Jacqueline Grant with at least 34 knife wounds after a frenzied attack at her home in Maryhill, Glasgow on April 6, 2021.

One of the 54 year-old’s daughters later made the grim discovery of her body after failed attempts to contact her.

Dorey had been due to go on trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

But, the 48 year-old now faces a life sentence after he pled guilty to murder.

He will learn the minimum he will spend behind bars later this month. 

Prosecutor Margaret Barron told how Dorey had previously been the partner of Jacqueline’s 36 year-old daughter Tracey Grant.

But, Dorey continued to have a “good relationship” with Jacqueline even after the couple split.

The killer had gone to the mum-of-four’s flat on the day of the murder.

Miss Barron said Dorey spoke of planning to build a table for Jacqueline.

Jacqueline’s other daughters Danielle Grant, 33, and Dionne Grant, 26, were also there with everyone in “good spirits”.

However, at one stage, Dorey was said to be “angry” and “a bit outspoken” about his ex Tracey Grant being in a new relationship.

Dorey and Jacqueline were eventually left alone around 12.30am.

The exact details of what then happened are not known.

But, Dorey left around 12.50am and was spotted walking in Maryhill carrying a rucksack with a towel around his hand.

A passer-by asked was he okay, but he replied: “I do not think so.”

He was bleeding and, after going to hospital, claimed he had been “set upon”.

Miss Barron: “He told the consultant that he was the victim of an unprovoked attack when walking home.”

Dorey later stated he had been “stabbed” by an “unknown person”.

Jacqueline’s daughter Danielle meantime had tried repeatedly calling her mum.

Around 5.15pm on April 6, she then went to Jacqueline’s flat and let herself in.

Miss Barron: “Danielle walked further into the hall and turned towards the living room.

“She saw her mother lying on the hallway floor covered in blood.”

Danielle discovered her mum was already dead and dialled 999.

A knife was then found under her body.

The court heard Jacqueline – who had health and mobility issues – died from stab wounds to the neck.

Miss Barron said pathologists noted multiple sharp force injuries including a total of 34 wounds to the body.

Jacqueline was also said to have had “severe” defensive injuries.

Dorey, of the city’s Dennistoun, was traced and initially claimed to police he had not seen Jacqueline since January 2021.

But, his DNA was discovered on the knife found as well as the victim’s blood on his clothes.

Donald Findlay QC, defending, today/yesterday said: “The central problem in this case has been the fact Michael Dorey has no memory at all of the offence.

“He was on reasonable terms with his former partner and the rest of the family.

“He regarded Jacqueline Grant as a kind of mother in law. 

“There is no reason at all that I can find out as to why these events occurred, but occur they did.

“He cannot shy away from the level of violence involved.”

Lord Arthurson adjourned the case and remanded Dorey in custody.

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