Man admits 'cowardly' murder of vulnerable man

Leigh Smith will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Monday

A man has admitted murdering a "vulnerable" man outside a medical centre in the early hours of the morning.

Keith Thompson, 49, was assaulted near the Bay Medical Centre on Heysham Road, Heysham, at about 04:00 BST on 28 September 2024 and died later in hospital, Lancashire Police said.

Leigh Smith, of Binyon Court, Lancaster, pleaded guilty to murder on the seventh day of his trial at Preston Crown Court.

The 39-year-old will be sentenced at the same court on Monday.

Lancashire Police launched a murder investigation after Mr Thompson, from Morecambe, was attacked and later died in hospital.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of his death was blunt force trauma to the head.

Keith Thompson died in hospital after the attack

Det Ch Insp John McNamara said: "Smith carried out a cowardly attack on a vulnerable man, which cost Keith his life.

"My thoughts remain with Keith's family and loved ones at this incredibly distressing time. Smith put them through the worry of a trial... only admitting his guilt seven days later."

He added: "I hope that Smith finally admitting his wrongdoing begins to give Keith's loved ones some closure."