Man sentenced to 15 years following the death of 19-year-old student Luke O'Connor

Today (Monday 19 June 2023) Shiloh George Pottinger (DOB: 28/02/2003) appeared at Manchester Crown Court and was sentenced to 15 years in jail for manslaughter, after killing nineteen-year-old Luke O’Connor on Wilmslow Road in October last year. The judge ruled he must serve at least 10 years before being considered for release.

The court heard how Luke - a university student in Manchester– was making his way back from a party in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday 26 October 2022. 

That night Luke’s path crossed with that of Pottinger who stabbed him multiple times and left him in the street.

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.

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.”