Bridgwater man admits killing 86-year-old church warden, Beryl Purdy
David Parish, 36, pleaded guilty to her manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility
A man from Bridgwater has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of an elderly church warden in her home.
David Parish, 36, admitted the offence by reason of diminished responsibility, but pleaded not guilty to the 86-year-old's murder today at Bristol Crown Court.
The defendant appeared via video link and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.
Anna Vigars KC, prosecuting, told the court: "We have received psychiatric reports commissioned by the defence and the Crown.
"They both come to the same conclusion.
"I can confirm that were a plea of not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility to be entered that would be acceptable to the Crown."
Judge William Hart remanded Parish, of Halyard Drive, Bridgwater, into custody and set a provisional sentencing date of March 1 before High Court judge Mr Justice Saini.
He told him: "You understand what is going to happen and you will be sentenced on March 1."
Police were called to reports of a burglary in progress at Mrs Purdy's home at about 5.45pm on March 27 last year in Broomfield, near Bridgwater.
She was found seriously injured and died at the property.
In a statement, Mrs Purdy's family said: "As a family, we are devastated to have lost a dearly loved wife, mother and granny.
"Bez was a caring person who would help anyone in need and was very much part of the village, being a church warden for 20 years.
"We will miss her very much and we are all struggling to understand why this happened to such a lovely person."
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