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We can confirm that Ryan Cullen has been sentenced to a Five-Year Section 45a Hybrid Order for the manslaughter of his grandfather in Liverpool City Centre earlier this year.
At around 5.40pm on Saturday 10 February, officers were called to an address on Midghall Street to reports of a domestic assault.
The victim, Brian Cullen, 73, was found with serious injuries. He sadly passed away in hospital later that month.
His grandson Ryan Cullen, 34, of no fixed abode, was arrested, charged and pleaded guilty to manslaughter at an earlier hearing. Cullen was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 15 November.
The Section 45a Hybrid Order means that Cullen will be sent to a hospital until when he is deemed fit to serve the remainder of his sentence in prison.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Andy McCourt from our Protecting Vulnerable People unit said: “This is an absolutely tragic case which has devastated the family and although Ryan Cullen has today faced justice, we know that such an outcome cannot provide much comfort or healing.
“Ryan Cullen carried out a violent and unprovoked attack on his vulnerable grandfather Brian, who sustained ultimately fatal injuries, resulting in this becoming a murder investigation.
“Domestic abuse can take many forms and I want to take this opportunity to highlight the help that is available to anyone who is suffering. Together with partner agencies, we will do all that we possibly can to support you, if you can find the courage to come forward.
“We have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion. Likewise, I would ask everyone to look out for your family members, friends or neighbours that may be suffering, as by contacting us you could be helping someone who is too afraid to help themselves. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.
“If you want to report domestic abuse, contact Merseyside Police on 101 where specially trained officers will be there to listen. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.”
For more information on what we're doing to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls please visit www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg
Further information on the local and national support available can be found here:Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Merseyside Police