Judge doubts killer's fight story

James Latimer was with work colleagues when the trouble started

A judge has ruled he does not accept the version of events given by a teenager who admitted killing a graduate in a fight in Bedford.

James Latimer, 22, of Bedford, died in May when he intervened in the row.

Michael Anderson, 19, from Robert Hunt Gardens in Sandy, Bedfordshire, admitted manslaughter but argued he did not challenge James to a fight.

Judge Phillip Clegg dismissed this after witnesses said Anderson punched a man, then threatened Mr Latimer.

The court heard Anderson asked Mr Latimer: "Do you want some?"

Witnesses said Mr Latimer, who was trying to quell the trouble, replied: "no, no, no."

Judge Clegg said he also accepted that as Anderson left the scene he punched another man to the ground who tried to stop him.

James Latimer was found injured in the street

He said Mr Latimer, who was described as a "gentle giant" because of his height, was not behaving aggressively at all.

"There is no question that the defendant could have thought James Latimer was a threat to him, not withstanding the drunken state he was in," he said.

Luton Crown Court has heard Mr Latimer, from Dearne Walk, Brickhill, was on a night out on 4 May last year with work colleagues from Homebase.

At the end of the night one of his friends was very drunk and spoiling for a fight and trouble broke out in Midland Road, Bedford.

Anderson got involved and with a single punch knocked Mr Latimer to the pavement.

He suffered head injuries and died the next day.

Anderson is due to be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on a date to be fixed in February.

He was remanded in custody and told to expect a "substantial" custodial sentence.

Two other men will be sentenced at the same time. Terrence O'Donnell, 21, of Vicars Walk, Bedford has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Daniel Jackson, 20, of Sudeley Walk, Bedford has pleaded guilty to affray.