Ossie James, a frail 74 year old man from South London, has been found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey. James was jailed for five years for stabbing his son through the heart because he returned home with a different takeaway than the one his father has asked for. The victim, Josie who was 44, had left their home to get a Chinese meal as they had agreed but returned with chicken and chips instead. James, who was described as a ‘rigid and controlling man’ by a court psychiatrist, had picked up a kitchen knife and plunged it into his son in anger.

When police arrived at the house they found him sitting in a chair. He had to be restrained when they tried to handcuff him. Judge Richard Hawkins said: “Josie returned with a takeaway and you were not happy with what was brought back and its condition. An argument followed with your son. It is right to say Josie was strong and you are somewhat frail.” The sentence was shorter than normal sue to the age of the defendant.