A MAN who killed his ‘step-grandfather’ could be dangerous to the public, a judge said yesterday.

As reported, Matthew Locks, 27, attacked Charles Roy Taylor last year at the victim’s home in Phyldon Close, Poole.

Mr Taylor suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to hospital where doctors tried to repair a traumatic brain injury.

Locks, of Ashley Road, Poole, was initially charged with grievous bodily harm with intent after the incident, which happened shortly after 8.30pm on December 17.

However, Mr Taylor, who was 82 and a retired heating engineer, died at Southampton General Hospital hospital on January 1 this year after neurosurgeons decided he could not be helped by surgery.

Locks, who was previously known as Matthew Hawkesworth, was then charged with murder.

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

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

As a result, Judge Keith Cutler CBE briefly set back the case to allow barristers to make an application.

Mr Feest said that, although Locks has a history of offending, there have been “significantly” fewer problems over the past three or four years.

“There is no history of committing offences while on bail. His compliance with court orders is reasonably good,” he said.

“This offence was committed in very particular circumstances.”

The defendant has ADHD and is on the autistic spectrum, he said.

However, Judge Cutler said he would “seriously need to consider” whether Locks is a “dangerous” offender.

If so, the defendant could be handed an extended sentence.

Locks has a “number of previous convictions”, including for offences of violence, the judge said.

“It is quite clear Mr Locks has had a horrific childhood,” he said.

“He has a number of difficulties.

“I quite understand why he is seeking bail, but he can understand that the options open to this court are a period in custody, which may well also include a finding that he is dangerous and would result in an extended licence, or a hospital order.”

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

“You have now pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Taylor, your step-grandfather,” Judge Cutler told the defendant. “You and I will meet again for sentence.”