Man who stabbed pregnant girlfriend claims betrayal over abortion, says at trial
Stephan Garner admitted killing Amber O’Brien, who was nine weeks pregnant, but denied murder, saying he felt betrayed after she told him she had an abortion.
During a trial at Manchester Crown Court, Stephan Garner, 31, accepted responsibility for the violent death of his partner, Amber O’Brien, who was nine weeks pregnant with twins, but rejected a murder charge. Garner testified that he felt betrayed after O’Brien disclosed she had had an abortion, a revelation that, he said, contributed to his loss of control. Jurors learned that O’Brien’s body was found on the bathroom floor of their eighth-floor flat, covered in a blue tarpaulin and surrounded by water, and that a pathologist identified more than 60 stab, incised and puncture wounds, including 32 to her face and neck.
The prosecution presented a recording of O’Brien’s call on 15 April requesting a termination. Garner described a series of arguments, substance use, and alleged threats from O’Brien before the fatal stabbing on the early hours of 18 April. He claimed the confrontation escalated in the flat, leading to a struggle over a knife that resulted in O’Brien’s death.
Why it matters
The case highlights issues of domestic violence, contested narratives of intent, and the legal distinction between murder and manslaughter.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth left-leaning and centrist coverage present the same facts, focusing on the defendant’s claim that the abortion disclosure led to his loss of control and the brutal nature of the stabbing.
LEFT
Frames the story around the man's admission of killing his pregnant girlfriend after she revealed an abortion, highlighting his confession and the gruesome details.
CENTER
Frames the story around the man's claim of feeling betrayed by the abortion, noting his acceptance of responsibility while denying murder and describing the violent details.
The left emphasises
- He admitted stabbing his pregnant girlfriend after she disclosed an abortion.
- He was drinking and using cocaine the night before.
- The victim suffered more than 60 stab wounds, including 32 to her face and neck.
In this story
