Man admits stabbing man to death

A man who stabbed to death a father of three has admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Christian Puttock, 34, was attacked outside his home in Clevedon, North Somerset, on 12 February as he returned to celebrate his wife's birthday.

David Brown, 35, of no fixed address, denied murder, but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The case at Bristol Crown Court was adjourned for sentencing.

We will always ensure Aimee will be well aware who her father was and what a fabulous person he was Lisa Puttock

Brown has been detained at Llanarth Court psychiatric hospital in Monmouthshire since April.

Robert Duval, prosecuting, told the court two consultant forensic psychiatrists both concluded at the time of the killing that Brown "suffered from an abnormality of the mind which would have substantially impaired his responsibility".

Brown, who has a history of psychological problems, will now be assessed by psychiatrists who will determine whether he is a danger to the public and should be detained indefinitely in a secure unit.

Mr Puttock, whose first daughter was born just two weeks before he died, was killed as he was unloading his car.

Witnesses said they saw his attacker silently walk up to the merchant navy officer and plunge a knife into him.

His wife Lisa saw her husband collapse to the ground as she showed off their new daughter Aimee to neighbours.

At the time of Mr Puttock's death Lisa said: "I will always love him and he will be by my side forever.

"We will never forget him and we will always ensure Aimee will be well aware who her father was and what a fabulous person he was."