Amber O’Brien Murder Trial: Man Denies Murder After Killing, Manchester 2026

Key Points

• 31-year-old Stephan Garner has confessed to killing Amber O’Brien, 33, but has denied murder in the Amber O’Brien murder trial at Manchester Crown Court.
• Ms O’Brien was pregnant with twins when she died in Garner’s eighth floor apartment in Somerton Court, Blackley, north Manchester, on April 18, 2026.
• In her testimony, a pathologist said that the victim had more than 60 stab, incised and punctured wounds, 32 of which were on her face and neck.
• According to Garner, he “snapped” because Ms O’Brien reportedly told him that she had terminated the pregnancy after experiencing abuse from him.
• Garner has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but has denied murder; the jury will determine whether there is enough evidence to prove the murder.
• The jury had previously been told about an audio recording of Ms O’Brien calling on April 15 to arrange for the termination, in which she explained to Garner that she had experienced domestic violence and informed the police about it.
• Garner has told the court that he did not know about the intention of the termination and that Ms O’Brien had informed him that she was going to the hospital for a kidney test.

Manchester Crime (Manchester Mirror) October 22, 2026 — A man who admits killing his pregnant girlfriend has told a murder trial that he “snapped” after she told him she had terminated their pregnancy, while the prosecution case continues before a jury at Manchester Crown Court.

Stephan Garner, 31, of Somerton Court, Blackley, accepts causing the death of Amber O’Brien, 33, who was expecting twins, but denies murder. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and the jury must now determine whether the Crown has proved the more serious charge.

As reported by Manchester Evening News, jurors heard that Ms O’Brien was found dead on the bathroom floor of Garner’s eighth-floor flat after an attack in the early hours of 18 April. She was described in court as “cold to the touch”, unclothed and covered with a blue tarpaulin, lying in “pools of water”.

A pathologist later found that Ms O’Brien had suffered more than 60 distinct stab, incised and puncture wounds. The court heard that 32 of those injuries were to her face and neck.

Garner spent a second day giving evidence on Wednesday, 21 October, being questioned by his barrister, Ben Myers KC.

Why Does Garner Deny Murder?

Garner told jurors that the killing followed a prolonged argument and that he lost control after several events came together. As reported by Manchester Evening News, he said:

“The ongoing abuse throughout the relationship, whether verbal or physical. Then there was her revelation about aborting our two children. I felt manipulated and betrayed. Her attacking me with a knife led me to snap.”

He accepted that he killed Ms O’Brien. When Mr Myers asked whether he accepted it was wrong, Garner replied: “Of course.”

The defendant told the court that he and Ms O’Brien had argued at his flat on the evening of 17 April. He alleged that she accused him of infidelity, became agitated and threatened to have another man “deal with me”, “beat me up” and “kill me”.

Garner said Ms O’Brien packed bags and left, and that he followed her in his car because he wanted to “resolve the conflict”. He said he called her, told her he loved her and asked her not to disturb her family in the early hours.

According to his evidence, reported by Manchester Evening News, Ms O’Brien said: “We’re done, Stephan.” He said she later entered his vehicle “voluntarily” after he had “reasoned with her”, and the pair returned to his flat.

What Did The Court Hear About The Abortion?

Jurors had previously heard a recording of a call made by Ms O’Brien on 15 April in which she requested a termination of her pregnancy.

When asked whether he knew she was planning a termination, Garner said: “No, none of it was discussed.”

He told jurors that Ms O’Brien had asked him for a lift to hospital but had said she was “getting her kidney checked”, rather than attending in connection with her pregnancy. Garner said: “I felt somewhat betrayed that she misled me about the real reason for the visit. I wanted to be there for the scan.”

The court also heard, in earlier proceedings reported by Manchester Evening News, that Ms O’Brien told the call operator she was experiencing domestic violence and had reported it to police. Prosecution evidence stated that she had been surprised to learn she was expecting twins, but still wanted the termination because it was “the right decision” and she “did not want any links” to Stephan.

Garner told the murder trial that Ms O’Brien later said she had aborted both children that morning because she did not want to have children with “a cheater”. He said he felt “upset”, “devastated” and “angry at the same time”.

What Happened In The Flat, According To Garner?

Garner said that after returning to the flat, Ms O’Brien remained in the bedroom and refused to join him and a friend in the kitchen. He alleged that she threw a glass of water at him, striking his thigh, and later slapped him.

He said the friend left because they were uncomfortable with the confrontation. Garner said he felt “pissed off” and “embarrassed”, and told Ms O’Brien he would not remain in the same flat as her.

Garner alleged that Ms O’Brien threatened to call police and accuse him of drink-driving. He said he returned to the flat at about 6.20am and found her “still the same”, describing her as “argumentative, violent, and aggressive”.

He told the court: “At that point, I had reached my limit.” Garner said that when he tried to leave, Ms O’Brien blocked his way and that he felt something strike the back of his head, which he believed was a punch.

Garner said he pushed her back and that she fell into the spare bedroom. He alleged that when she got up, she was holding a knife.

What Does Garner Say About The Knife?

Garner told jurors that Ms O’Brien said the knife had been left in the bedroom during renovation work. He alleged that she “sliced” his hand with it and then lunged towards him.

“I guess it was a fight or flight response,” he said.

“She lunged at me with the knife. I put both hands out to fend off the knife coming towards me.”

Garner claimed that Ms O’Brien fell backwards and that he fell on top of her. He said:

“The knife obviously made contact. I think it was on her neck, but I’m not entirely sure.”

He told the court that both of them struggled for the knife

. “I think she had both hands on the sharp end. I think we both had our hands on the knife. Then I think I pushed down, and it stabbed her. After that, I think the knife broke,”

he said.

Garner alleged that Ms O’Brien then reached for a second knife. He said he tried to intercept it, struggled with her, and eventually took control of the knife before stabbing her.

When Mr Myers asked how many times he stabbed her, Garner replied: “I don’t know; I can’t remember.” Asked whether he had been counting, he said: “Of course not, no.”

“I lost control of the situation,” Garner said. He told the court that he stopped once it was clear Ms O’Brien was dead, saying: “She just stopped moving.”

What Did Garner Do After The Death?

Garner admitted that he did not contact police after the killing. He said: “Because I was frightened. I didn’t think they would believe what had transpired; I didn’t think they would believe me.”

He accepted moving Ms O’Brien’s body to the bath, saying it was because there was blood on the floor. He also admitted destroying his mobile phone by throwing it into a lake, telling the court:

“I was scared of being arrested.”

Garner expressed that he felt “mortified” and “upset”. He repeated that he accepted killing Ms O’Brien and accepted that it was wrong.

What Is The Legal Issue For The Jury?

The central issue is whether Garner is guilty of murder or manslaughter. He has admitted manslaughter, which accepts responsibility for causing Ms O’Brien’s death, but denies murder.

The prosecution must persuade the jury that the legal requirements for murder were met. The defence case, as set out in Garner’s evidence, is that he lost control and did not act with the intention required for murder.

The trial opened on 14 October and was expected to last seven days. It continues at Manchester Crown Court.

Background Of The Development

Amber O’Brien, 33, was found dead at Somerton Court in Blackley on 19 April 2026, after an attack on 18 April. Greater Manchester Police arrested Stephan Garner on suspicion of murder, and he was later charged.

Garner appeared at Manchester Crown Court via video link on 24 April, where he confirmed his identity. He returned to court on 5 June and pleaded not guilty to murder; he was remanded in custody ahead of trial.

The case has been covered by several Reach plc regional titles, including Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive, Yorkshire Live and Leeds Live, all reporting the same core court evidence.

Prediction: How Could This Affect Readers?

For readers in Greater Manchester and across the UK, the outcome may shape public understanding of how courts distinguish murder from manslaughter in cases involving claims of loss of control, domestic abuse allegations and disputed accounts of violence. The jury’s verdict will depend on the evidence presented in court, not on claims made outside it.

For people concerned about domestic abuse, the case highlights that Ms O’Brien had contacted a termination service and reported experiencing domestic violence before her death, according to evidence heard at trial.

If Garner is convicted of murder, the case may reinforce the importance of early reporting, protective interventions and specialist support for people at risk from partners. If the jury returns a manslaughter verdict, it may prompt further discussion about how the courts assess provocation, intent and self-defence claims in fatal domestic cases.