Man jailed for killing student with ‘Mafia stiletto’ knife in Manchester

A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing a student with a ‘Mafia stiletto’ knife in Manchester last year.

Shiloh Pottinger was found guilty of manslaughter last month after the death of 19-year-old student Luke O’Connor last October.

A jury heard how the pair had gotten into an argument while Mr O’Connor was walking home with friends after a night out in a student area in Fallowfield on Wednesday, October 26th 2022.

A short time later at around 2am, officers on patrol were flagged down by members of the public on Wilmslow Road in Manchester. They commenced CPR at the scene but were tragically unable to save Luke’s life.

After a joke was made about his skateboard, a fight broke out and he was stabbed repeatedly with the flick-knife.

The student, who studied at Manchester Metropolitan University died a short while later in hospital.

Mr Potter, a music producer and student at BIIM University, who was 19 at the time, denied murder and said he was acting in self-defence.

Mr O’Connor’s family described him as a ‘gentle giant’ who loved music and football. They said he was ‘Truly one of a kind, whose presence would light up any room’.

In a statement today outside Manchester Crown Court, Luke’s family said: “We are truly devastated by this tragedy.

“Luke was loved by so many people, and he knew how much he was loved in return,” as they paid tribute to their ‘bubbly, lively, beautiful boy’.

 They added: “We are relieved Shiloh Pottinger is now behind bars although his sentence in no way compares to our life sentence.”

Detective Sergeant Laura Murray of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “Luke was just 19-years-old when he was stabbed and killed on his way home. His parents have gone through something that no parent should have to go through.

“From the outset, the investigation team has worked tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome. I’m pleased the offender has been served a jail sentence however it will not bring Luke home to his family.

“Had Shiloh Pottinger not been carrying a knife that night, then Luke would not have died.

“This case shows very clearly the tragic consequences that come from carrying knives. Many other lives have also been ruined – those of family and friends.

“The police are working hard to tackle knife crime, but we need help. We need parents and teachers to challenge the idea that it’s acceptable to carry knives. And if you know or suspect a friend of yours is carrying a knife, you need to call out that behaviour.

“I’d now like to speak directly to anyone out there who carries a knife. Please I urge you to put it down before it’s too late. It will cost you your life.”