Lancaster man found guilty of killing landlord
A man has been convicted of killing his landlord after being told he had to leave the Lancaster property.
Michael Hughes, 27, was cleared of murdering 64-year-old John Watson, who never regained consciousness after being attacked at his home in Ripley Street, Lancaster. He died six months later, last November, from complications.
Preston Crown Court trial that Hughes had punched Mr Watson in the face after losing his temper and then stamped on his head as he lay on the floor.
Hughes of Brindle Close, Lancaster had denied a charge of murder but the jury returned a unanimous verdict finding him guilty of manslaughter.
Hughes had been a lodger at Mr Watson's address for about a year before events on May 27th last year. He had been in the habit of letting two of his friends stay in his room, despite having been told not to.
Two days before the attack, Mr Watson had sent him a letter, telling him to leave by the end of June.
Giving evidence in the trial, Hughes said he was not a nasty person. He said he had lost control of himself and may have thought he was going to be attacked when the landlord shouted to be let in at his door.
He admitted punching the man once and then stamping twice on his head.
Defence barrister Mr Stuart Denney QC said they would want the defendant to have a mental health assessment before sentencing takes place.
Hughes was remanded in custody by Judge Stuart Baker and is due to be sentenced at the end of July.
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Weather for Lancaster
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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