Dean Johnstone pleads guilty to murder of Karen Youdell

2 April 2025

Dean Johnstone’s pre-trial review took place at Manchester Crown Court (pictured). Credit: Stephen Richards / Creative Commons.

Dean Johnstone pleaded guilty to the murder of Karen Youdell during a pre-trial review at Manchester Crown Court earlier today (2 April, 2025).

Mr Johnstone, represented by Garden Court North’s Nina Grahame KC, had previously accepted responsibility for causing serious brain damage to Ms Youdell during an assault in July 2023.

However, the brain injury together with other complications left Karen Youdell in a persistent vegetative state for several months, before her compromised physical condition led to her death in May 2024.

During the review of complex medical evidence in delayed death cases such as this one, the original harm must be proven as a significant contributory factor in the later death in order to uphold a murder charge.

Three co-defendants also await trial. Lisa Johnstone, Yvonne Johnstone, and Glenn Nelson are all alleged to have assisted Dean Johnstone after the initial assault, delaying medical treatment for Ms Youdell and perverting the course of justice.

Dean Johnstone will be sentenced at the conclusion of the trial.

Nina Grahame KC led Jane Dagnall of St John’s Buildings, instructed by Claire Langton of Keith Dyson & Co.

Additional media

BBC – Murder charge as woman dies nine months after attack

Greater Manchester Police – A man has been charged with the murder of Karen Youdell

Manchester Evening News – Trio appear in court over mum-of-four’s death after man charged with murder

For further information, please contact Alex Blair, Communications Manager at Garden Court North Chambers: ablair@gcnchambers.co.uk