Man held for killing stepfather

Pedder kicked Mr Marsh to death the court heard

A Wiltshire man who admitted killing his 69-year-old stepfather has been committed to a secure mental hospital for life.

Michael Ernest Pedder, 47, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Brian Marsh in Swindon.

Pedder, who has extreme obsessive compulsive disorder, kicked Mr Marsh to death, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Police were called to Whittington Road, Westlea, where they discovered Mr Marsh's body in May 2007.

Pedder admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at a hearing in March 2008.

He also admitted causing grievous bodily harm against his mother, Doreen Marsh.

The court heard evidence from Pedder's psychiatrist Dr Nicola Claxton who said he was on a course of medication and psychological therapy at Bristol's Fromeside Secure Hospital where he would stay.

"The offence for which he has been committed is very serious and was in the context of him being unwell," she said.

Judge Raymond Jack detained Pedder indefinitely under Sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act.