Delaney Brown death: Accused admits manslaughter

Delaney Brown was a member of the Lewsey Farm gang, the court heard

A man accused of murdering a teenager in Luton has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Delaney Brown, 19, died on 5 September in Vincent Road, Leagrave, after his bicycle was struck by a BMW car.

Kyle Beckford, 22, of Waleys Close, Marsh Farm, Luton, denies murder but admitted manslaughter at Luton Crown Court earlier.

The murder trial against him continues, but the jury was told the new plea could shorten the proceedings.

Mr Brown was propelled into a wall and died almost instantly after being struck by the car, the court has heard.

'Substantial hostilities'

The car had been deliberately driven at the victim and used as a weapon, the jury was told earlier in the trial.

Mr Beckford had denied being behind the wheel of the stolen silver BMW, however, he now accepted he was driving and admitted manslaughter, the jury heard.

Prosecuting, Stewart Trimmer QC said the jury must now decide whether he intended to kill Mr Brown or cause him serious bodily harm.

The jury was told earlier in the trial that the two men had been school friends but later drifted into rival groups, with Mr Brown joining the Lewsey Farm gang and Mr Beckford becoming a member of the Marsh Farm gang.

Mr Trimmer said there were "substantial hostilities" between the groups, with other violent incidents at the time of the murder.

The jury heard Mr Beckford drove off without stopping, leaving Mr Brown on the ground with a crushed chest and a broken neck.

The trial continues.