TEENAGE killer was warned on Monday that he faces a considerable prison sentence after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Bournemouth man Darren Britton.

Andrew Peter Hiscock, 18, of Amethyst Road, in Somerford, Christchurch, hit Mr Britton several times over the head with a bottle and his fists after his victim made sexual advances towards him.

Mr Britton was found dead on May 13, 2004, at his flat in Markham Close, Northbourne.

Hiscock pleaded not guilty at Winchester Crown Court to the murder of Mr Britton but guilty to manslaughter on the basis of provocation. The plea was accepted by the prosecution.

Nicholas Haggen, prosecuting, told the court: "It is the defendant's case that shortly before the attack occurred the deceased made a sexual advance towards him. That advance was rejected but the deceased persisted in his advance."

Mr Haggen added that the defendant picked up a bottle and hit Mr Britton on the head with it, causing the injury that eventually lead to his death.

"Contrary to the account that the defendant gave in interview he now accepts that he lost control and that he attacked the defendant, striking several blows with a bottle and also his fists," he said.

Mr Haggen added that there was evidence from a man who said he had witnessed consensual sexual activity between Hiscock and Mr Britton in the past.

Mr Haggen said Hiscock had specific learning disabilities and also suffers from attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Mr Haggen added: "There is also some evidence that if confronted by a situation he is prone to react with violence."

Oba N'Sugbe, mitigating, said there were concerns Hiscock would self-harm and he had been placed in the vulnerable persons unit in prison as a result.

Judge Heather Hallett adjourned sentencing for reports. She told Hiscock: "You are looking at a lengthy prison sentence."

Neighbours shocked by death

IT WAS several days before police investigating the brutal death of Darren Britton tracked down killer Andrew Hiscock.

Detectives released details and a photograph of the victim in a desperate attempt to trace his movements and to uncover details of his private life.

Finger-tip searches of his Mr Britton's home were carried out by scenes of crime officers, who were initially baffled as to the motive for the killing.

Neighbours near his first floor flat in a Bournemouth cul-de-sac were shocked to discover the 54-year-old had died of head injuries in a violent attack in his own home.

Residents of Markham Close, Northbourne, said Mr Britton was a quiet man who attracted little attention.

"This is awful - I didn't think he was the type of man to have any enemies" said neighbour Carol Turle. "Residents here are very shocked. I know a few of them are elderly and are worried about what has happened."

Mrs Turle added: "Darren was always happy and friendly. Whatever has happened is a great shame."

Senior police officers also faced the difficult task of breaking news of the death to Mr Britton's 84-year-old mother, who lived in London at the time of his death.

Specialist family liaison officers travelled to the capital to deliver the bad news and to learn that Mr Britton had children and an ex-wife.

"Our thoughts are with his mother at this time and with other members of his family," said Detective Chief Inspector Neil Redstone, senior investigating officer.

First published: Feb 1