In a twist worthy of a dark comedy, a former Sheffield University student, Ben Moglione, has shocked the world by stabbing his stepfather, Andrew McDiarmid, 17 times in a fit of psychotic rage, leaving everyone questioning whether to blame his epilepsy or just bad TV choices.
Ben Moglione, who adored his stepdad like he was his own, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He unleashed this nightmare at their home in Heswall, Wirral, while in a psychotic state triggered by his epilepsy. The court heard how this postictal psychosis, a fancy term for a psychotic episode following seizures, led to the fatal attack on January 24, 2022 (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool Echo).
Picture this: Alison Moglione, Ben’s mum, was just washing her hair when she heard an odd noise—not quite a scream but more like someone really letting out a dramatic sigh. Moments later, Ben stormed in, hands dripping with blood. Alison initially thought her son had gone all emo and cut himself, but upon closer inspection, she realized the horrifying truth (Liverpool Echo).
The scene could have been out of a horror movie. Ben, after watching a BBC Panorama episode about knife crime (great timing, right?), decided to act out what he saw on TV. He grabbed a knife and went to the bedroom where Andrew was isolating due to Covid. The CCTV footage revealed Ben asking, “Are you alright?” to which Andrew casually replied, “Yeah, are you?” Ben’s chilling response, “No, not really,” was followed by screams and chaos (Liverpool Echo).
Andrew McDiarmid, a retired detective, probably never saw it coming. He had been a supportive father figure to Ben, a role he took naturally. Ben, on the other hand, had been battling epilepsy and other health issues, making him the ultimate wildcard in this tragic play. Despite their seemingly perfect family life, filled with holidays and dreams of a Caribbean cruise, it all unraveled in a bloody mess (Liverpool Echo).
Judge Andrew Menary KC didn’t mince words, calling Ben’s attack brutal and noting that there was no provocation—just a lot of bad luck and perhaps even worse medical management. The judge pointed out the devastating impact on the family and acknowledged that Ben’s actions were influenced by his poorly controlled epilepsy (Liverpool Echo).
Now, Ben will be receiving treatment indefinitely, thanks to a hospital order, leaving the Secretary of State to decide when he’s sane enough to rejoin society. Alison, having lost both her husband and her son in one nightmarish episode, remains in shock, grappling with a reality that no one saw coming.
So, next time someone tells you they’re feeling “not really,” maybe steer clear of the kitchen knives and definitely reconsider your TV programming.