Blackburn man admits killing Christopher Proctor, 88

Christopher Proctor was seen on CCTV using a bank machine hours before his death

A man has admitted killing an 88-year-old man who was found dead after a fire at his bungalow in Blackburn.

Christopher Proctor was found dead in his home in Pleckgate Road in November.

Anthony Curry, 39, from Blackburn, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to the manslaughter of Mr Proctor and arson, burglary and attempted theft.

His partner Claire Randall, 31, of Dyson Street, Blackburn, admitted attempted theft and burglary. They are due to be sentenced on 24 May.

'Preyed on his vulnerability'

Lancashire Police said Mr Proctor had died before the fire started on 10 November.

Det Supt Paul Withers said Curry, who also lives in Dyson Street, befriended Mr Proctor and "preyed on his vulnerability" in order to steal money from him.

He said: "Whilst pleading guilty saves the family the trauma of having to sit through a trial, it doesn't diminish the serious consequences of Anthony Curry's actions.

"Curry showed no regard for Mr Proctor, he was just intent on stealing from him."

Hours before his death CCTV was recovered of Mr Proctor visiting a cash machine and he changed his Pin number, police said.

Officers recovered his bank book and wallet in nearby drains.