A killer has admitted taking the life of a pensioner by "forcefully" pushing him.
Gary Anderson assaulted Roy Clayton at an address in Prudhoe, Northumberland, in December last year. Police said at the time that the 79-year-old suffered a suspected serious neck injury and was taken to hospital and died four days later.
Now Anderson, 49, of Woodhead Road, in Prudhoe, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, at Newcastle Crown Court. He admitted the charge on the basis of using a "forceful two-handed push".
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Judge Paul Sloan KC said it was a "deliberate intentional push" even though the precise consequences may not have been intended. The judge told Anderson: "I'm adjourning sentence in your case to the 20th of February of next year. That's the next date you must attend court.
"I'm directing the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the probation service and your legal team will obtain a psychiatric report. You should understand, the fact I'm adjourning sentence and directing the preparation of a report is not an indication of sentence.
"The precise sentence will be imposed on February 20 by me having considered all relevant information and heard mitigation on your behalf." Anderson was further released on conditional bail.
We reported previously how police were called to an address on Woodhead Road, in Prudhoe, at around 9.40am on December 10 last year following reports of a disturbance. They found Mr Clayton with a suspected serious neck injury.
Speaking after Anderson was charged, Det Insp David Johnson, of Northumbria Police, said: "Clearly this is a serious incident that has left Roy's family absolutely devastated. Our thoughts remain with them and we will continue to offer any support they need.
"I would like to thank Roy's family for their cooperation and patience over the last 10 months, as well as the wider community who have assisted our investigation at every opportunity."
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