Teenage boy admits bonfire murder

Mr Croft's body was found on a bonfire in Birkenhead

A 13-year-old boy has admitted killing a man whose charred body was found in the embers of a bonfire in Wirral.

The youngster, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to murdering 34-year-old Stephen Croft in November at Liverpool Crown Court.

The victim's body was found in the remnants of the bonfire on waste ground in Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead.

His barrister asked for sentencing to be adjourned to enable a more detailed psychiatric report to be prepared.

David Steer QC said the boy had "quite a history within social services".

The teenager was remanded to secure accommodation until April.

The judge, Mr Justice Roderick Evans, told him: "Only one sentence can be passed but the judge who sentences you has to fix the minimum period you will have to serve before you can be considered for release."