A MAN has admitted killing his ‘step-grandfather’ during an incident in Poole last year.

Matthew Locks, 27, was charged with murder after the death of 82-year-old Charles Roy Taylor last year.

This morning, he admitted a lesser charge of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility during an appearance at Winchester Crown Court.

Mr Taylor suffered serious head injuries at his home in Phyldon Close, Parkstone shortly after 8.30pm on December 17. He was rushed to hospital, where he died on New Year’s Day.

Locks, who was 26 at the time of the attack, was arrested at the scene and initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Adam Feest QC, mitigating, asked for the sentencing hearing to be adjourned to allow further investigation into the possibility of a hospital order.

“I’d ask for an adjournment until August 5 so further reports can we prepared looking into whether a hospital order is appropriate,” Mr Feest said.

Judge Keith Cutler CBE agreed to the adjournment.

Locks, who sat close to the glass wall of the dock to hear proceedings, asked his barristers if he would be bailed.

Mr Feest said it had been explained that, as Locks has admitted manslaughter, it was “unlikely an application would be entertained and even less likely that it would be granted”.

However, Judge Cutler said he would hear an application if one was made by barristers.

The judge told the defendant, who was supported by an intermediary in the dock, that he would be remanded into custody in the meantime.

“You have now pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Taylor, your step-grandfather,” Judge Cutler said.

“You and I will meet against for sentence, although it may be that you and I will meet again before that over the issue of bail.”