Man admits doorstep manslaughter

Patrick 'Tommy' O'Rourke died in hospital from his head injuries

A 28-year-old man who stamped on a man's head on the doorstep of his Bedford home has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Ben Lamb denied the murder of Patrick O'Rourke, 44, and the lesser plea, on the basis of provocation, was accepted at Luton Crown Court.

Mr O'Rourke was found with serious head injuries in April 2007 and died in hospital two days later.

Lamb, of no fixed address, is due to be sentenced in June.

Rosamund Horwood-Smart QC, prosecuting, said Mr O'Rourke, who was known as 'Tommy' was a friendly and likeable man.

'Punched and stamped'

"But he was also an alcoholic and his drinking and lifestyle were out of control at the time," she said.

"On the day before the fatal assault he was taken to hospital after being punched and hitting his head. His head was bandaged but he refused further treatment and discharged himself," she added.

On the day of the assault, Lamb was at Mr O'Rourke's home and saw him behave inappropriately towards a woman and smack a child - which he reported to the child's father, Ms Horwood-Smart told the court.

"That caused a row which escalated," she said.

"Lamb punched him to the face and he fell and then he stamped on his face."

Five days later Lamb was arrested and the court heard he told police: "I have been waiting for you. I will tell you everything. I did not mean it."

Judge Phillip Clegg adjourned sentencing for reports on Lamb to assess whether he should have a determinate or indeterminate sentence.