A MAN has been given an indefinite hospital order for the murder of 'loving and devoted father' Craig North in Tilbury.

Hospital orders, known as Section 37 orders, are made "without limit of time", meaning that a patient may be detained indefinitely.

A section 37 lasts six months initially, but this can be extended ('renewed') by doctors. It must be renewed again after a second six months and and then yearly.

There is no limit to the number of times section 37 can be renewed. If it's not renewed, the section 37 will end, and the patient will be free to leave hospital.

Thirty-five year-old Mr North was found seriously injured in Feenan Highway shortly before 9.45pm on 2 January last year. He was taken to hospital but died there nine days later.

Mr North had been found by four members of the public with a stab wound to his chest.

About two hours after he was found, police received a call from a relative of 20 year-old Darnel Curtin reporting he had stabbed someone.

Officers attended his address in Chesterton Way, Tilbury and arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder.

Curtin was initially charged with attempted murder but following Mr North's death, that charged was upgraded to one of murder.

He denied the charge but, following a trial at Basildon Crown Court, was found guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility on 20 January.

Details of the incident and the subsequent police investigation were reported in our story following the original trial.

After a delay while the state of Darnel Curtin's mental health was assessed, he was sentenced at the same court today (Monday, 20 March) where he was given an indefinite hospital order.

Following the original trial, Mr North's parents said: "No result will ever bring back Craig to his family, Craig was our hero. He was a loving and devoted father, partner, son, brother, uncle, son in law and friend.  

"He was loved by so many. He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. You are our warrior. We will continue to remember him and his heroic actions".