Addict killed friend with heroin

Mold Crown Court heard the cocktail of methadone and heroin proved deadly

A man has admitted the manslaughter of a friend he injected with heroin.

Drug addict Daniel Browning, 34, from Wrexham, injected Jason Wilkinson's hand, unaware his friend had also taken methadone.

Mold Crown Court heard Mr Wilkinson chose how much heroin to use, and the defendant had felt under pressure to inject him.

Browning was told he would get full credit for his guilty plea, before sentencing was adjourned for a month.

The court heard the heroin belonged to the deceased, and Browning had seen him take similar amounts before.

It was the deadly cocktail of heroin and methadone that killed him.

'Unlawful killing'

Defending, Maria Massellis-Brookes said the case involved a number of complex issues, but it was decided Browning should plead guilty following a report by experts.

She said the defendant was a man of good character who had property and personal affairs to put in order.

Judge John Rogers QC agreed to adjourn for a pre-sentence report from the probation service, adding: "But in the end it is a straight forward matter.

"I have to sentence this young man for being responsible for the unlawful killing of another human being.

"That is the stark fact and the sentencing guidelines are very clear.

"The fact that you have pleaded guilty will make a huge difference.

"You had no defence to the charge once causation was established."