A man has admitted stabbing a pub landlord to death but denied murdering him.
Lee Abbott, 35, appeared via videolink at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday charged with the murder of Christian Thornton, 49, who was found near the Hammer & Pincers pub in Widnes, Cheshire, after police were called to reports of a serious assault at 3.20pm on Sunday.
When asked to enter a plea to the charge , Abbott, of Rose Street, Widnes, said: "Not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter."
He pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a knife.
The defendant, who appeared on screen from HMP Altcourse wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt, also spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality as white British.
A trial date was set for February 10 next year.
Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary QC remanded Abbott in custody.
On Monday, the Labour MP for Halton, Derek Twigg, said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of the "long-serving and popular" landlord of the Hammer & Pincers.
Organisers on a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the family of the married father said: "Chris in his role as landlord of the Hammer & Pincers was actively involved within the local community & helped to raise thousands of pounds for charities as well as supporting the local music scene and much more."
Dianne Jones said: "So sorry for your loss. No words suffice. Love and sympathy to all of Chris’s family & friends."
And Damian McGillicuddy added: "A tragic waste but we obviously all have fond memories of Tigger and that is an amazing legacy. Let's hope we treat our fellow man better after this, something good to come out of it in his name."
