A convicted murderer who was released early from prison for being “polite” has brutally stabbed his great-uncle to death just a year after regaining his freedom.
Direece Roche, 30, who was jailed in 2011 for the fatal stabbing of an innocent man outside a New Year’s Day party, was released in 2023 after serving 12 years of a life sentence.
Despite a violent prison history, he was described during parole hearings as “respectful” and showing “wisdom beyond his years.”
In July 2024, Roche donned a balaclava and dark clothing before breaking into the Manchester home of his 64-year-old great-uncle, Fintan McDwyer, at 3:30 am.
Inside, he launched a savage attack, stabbing the widowed grandfather 71 times as he lay in bed.
McDwyer’s son later found the body after returning from a wedding celebration.
Roche has since been convicted of murder and will be sentenced to a second life term in July.
According to Nicola Carter, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West: “Direece Roche planned and carried out the brutal murder of his own relative as he lay in bed.
He attempted to conceal his identity by wearing a balaclava and has failed to take full responsibility for his actions.”
McDwyer, who suffered from various health problems including type 2 diabetes, depression, and a removed spleen, was remembered by family as a “gentle giant” with an Irish lilt and a warm, humorous personality.
During the trial, jurors were informed of Roche’s previous conviction for the murder of 23-year-old care worker Adam Steele.
At just 16, Roche stabbed Steele five times during a street brawl in Salford, believing the victim was threatening his older brother Owen.
At the time, the brothers were notorious in Stockport, nicknamed “The Krays” due to their violent reputation.
Despite violent incidents during his early years in prison, Roche’s conduct was later deemed “mature and stable.” He was praised for leading therapy groups and even considered for a psychology degree.
After being moved to an open prison, he was caught with a lock knife during day release in May 2023, but was still granted parole in September.
In his recent trial, Roche claimed McDwyer had abused him as a child and had attacked him with a knife during the break-in.
He also bizarrely claimed he only wanted to steal McDwyer’s pet dog, named after Roche’s late mother. The court dismissed these as fabrications.
Prosecutors said the attack was a deliberate and premeditated act of murder. CCTV showed Roche walking to McDwyer’s home and climbing through an upstairs window.
Once inside, he slashed the victim’s neck, severing the jugular vein, and inflicted 71 stab wounds to his face, head, and body.
Roche is expected to receive another life sentence during his next court appearance in July.
