Man Admits Killing Pregnant Girlfriend Carrying Twins but Denies Murder in Manchester Trial

Stephan Garner, 31, has admitted killing Amber O’Brien, 33, who was pregnant with twins, but denies murder. The court has heard his account of the fatal confrontation as jurors consider the case at Manchester Crown Court.

A man who admits killing his pregnant girlfriend has told a court that he “snapped” during a confrontation after she allegedly revealed that she had terminated their pregnancy.

Stephan Garner, 31, is standing trial at Manchester Crown Court over the death of Amber O’Brien, 33, who was expecting twins when she died in April 2026. Garner has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder, leaving the jury to decide whether the more serious charge has been proved.

The court heard that Ms O’Brien died at Garner’s flat in Somerton Court, Blackley, north Manchester, during the early hours of April 18. Her body was discovered the following day.

Evidence presented during the trial described the severity of the attack. A pathologist told the court that Ms O’Brien had suffered more than 60 stab, incised and puncture wounds, including 32 injuries to her face and neck.

Defendant Describes Relationship and Final Argument
Giving evidence, Garner described a relationship marked by arguments and claimed that tensions had escalated in the days before Ms O’Brien’s death.

He told jurors that he felt upset and betrayed after she allegedly told him she had terminated their pregnancy. He also claimed that she had attacked him with a knife during the confrontation.

Garner said several factors contributed to his loss of control, including what he described as ongoing verbal and physical abuse, the pregnancy revelation and the alleged knife attack.

His account forms part of the defence case. The allegations he made about Ms O’Brien are his claims and must be considered alongside the other evidence presented to the court.

The court also heard that Garner and Ms O’Brien had argued on the evening of April 17. According to his testimony, the disagreement involved accusations of infidelity and threats. He said Ms O’Brien left the flat before he followed her, hoping to resolve the dispute.

The pair later returned to the property, where Garner alleged that further arguments took place.

Court Hears Evidence About Pregnancy Termination
Jurors were previously played a recording of a telephone call Ms O’Brien made on April 15 to arrange a pregnancy termination.

During the call, the court heard, she discussed her circumstances and concerns about domestic violence. Evidence presented in the proceedings indicated that she had reported abuse to police.

Garner told the court that he did not know Ms O’Brien intended to terminate the pregnancy. He claimed she had told him she was going to hospital for a kidney examination rather than discussing a termination.

He said he subsequently felt betrayed when she allegedly told him that she had ended the pregnancy.

The issue became a significant part of Garner’s explanation for the events leading to the fatal confrontation. However, the circumstances surrounding the killing and whether his actions amount to murder remain matters for the jury to determine.

Garner Gives His Account of the Fatal Incident
Garner told the court that the argument continued after the couple returned to his flat. He alleged that Ms O’Brien threw water at him and later slapped him.

He further claimed that a confrontation occurred when he attempted to leave and that Ms O’Brien was holding a knife. According to his testimony, they struggled over the weapon, during which she sustained injuries.

Garner also said a second knife became involved in the confrontation. He admitted stabbing Ms O’Brien but claimed he could not remember how many times he had done so.

His account is being examined alongside the medical evidence and the prosecution’s case. The number and nature of the injuries described by the pathologist are among the evidence jurors must consider when assessing the circumstances of her death.

Garner acknowledged in court that he had caused Ms O’Brien’s death and accepted that his actions were wrong. He has nevertheless denied the murder charge.

Actions After the Killing Examined in Court
The court also heard evidence about Garner’s actions after Ms O’Brien died.

He admitted moving her body to the bath and said he had been frightened about contacting the police. He also acknowledged destroying his mobile phone by throwing it into a lake, explaining that he feared being arrested.

These admissions form part of the evidence being considered during the trial.

The prosecution and defence have presented evidence concerning the relationship, the events leading up to the killing and Garner’s conduct afterward. The jury must assess that evidence before reaching a verdict.

Jury Must Decide Between Murder and Manslaughter
The central issue in the trial is whether Garner is guilty of murder or manslaughter.

By pleading guilty to manslaughter, Garner has accepted legal responsibility for causing Ms O’Brien’s death. However, he disputes the murder charge, and the prosecution must establish the elements of that offence to the jury’s satisfaction.

His explanation that he lost control during the confrontation is part of the defence account, but it does not by itself determine the legal outcome.

The trial began at Manchester Crown Court in October 2026. As proceedings continue, jurors are being asked to consider the witness testimony, medical findings and other evidence before reaching their decision.

Amber O’Brien’s death has left her family grieving. In a tribute released by Greater Manchester Police in April, her family described her as a kind-hearted woman whose warmth and smile brought happiness to those around her.

The case remains a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence within intimate relationships. The jury’s decision will determine whether Garner is convicted of murder or sentenced on the manslaughter plea.

Source: Manchester Evening News / The Mirror – Stephan Garner and Amber O’Brien case