A man who stabbed to death his nine-year-old brother in a frenzied attack was probably suffering from a mental disorder at the time, a court heard today.

Jack James Taylor died from multiple stab wounds, including one to the neck, during an incident at a house in Rookes Avenue, Wibsey, Bradford, on the evening of February 18 this year.

Daniel Taylor, 20, will not now face trial for the murder of his brother after his guilty plea to manslaughter was accepted by the prosecution and approved by a judge.

Taylor had also pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent their sister Rachel, when she tried to disarm him. Today, at Bradford Crown Court, Taylor, of Richardson Avenue, Wibsey, pleaded guilty to a simple wounding charge in relation to his sister.

The court was told there had been a number of psychiatric reports and three doctors were agreed that the defendant suffered from paranoid schizophrenia with an abnormality of the mind, and there was a high degree of probability he was suffering from that abnormality at the time of the offences, which would have impaired his responsibility.

Prosecutor Simon Bourne-Arton QC told the court: “We agree, and in those circumstances we conclude it is not necessary for a trial of murder and we accept the plea to manslaughter.”

Mr Bourne-Arton said the doctors had concluded it would be difficult to establish wounding with intent, and the prosecution accepted the plea to wounding.

He added: “Throughout these proceedings, the family has been kept informed. They have lost a son, brother and grandson. Now they have the prospect of a son, brother and grandson being in hospital for a very significant period of time.”

Mr Bourne-Arton said the Crown was mindful of the degree of danger to the public and was satisfied the appropriate course would be an order under the Mental Health Act with section 41 restrictions.

Judge James Goss QC said it was an appropriate course of action. He told Taylor: “Your pleas have been accepted by the prosecution, and approved by me, so there will be no trial on this murder.”

The judge said he would sentence Taylor at Leeds Crown Court on December 15. He formally remanded him in custody, meaning Taylor would return to Rampton secure hospital, where he would remain until sentencing.

Detective Superintendent Sukhbir Singh, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who led the investigation, was in court for the short hearing.

The family had previously paid tribute to Jack, describing him as “a lovely lad who was full of joy”.

They said: “Jack loved his family and his family loved him. He particularly looked up to his older brother Daniel. They were identical as kids – so alike. Jack learned a lot from his brother and he loved him, and his brother loved Jack. We’re just striving for Daniel to get well now. He’s a poorly boy and we just hope that one day he’ll be all right.”