Man admits killing Frederick Burge in his Glastonbury home

Frederick Burge's family said his smile "would light up any room"

A 44-year-old man has admitted killing a pensioner in his home.

James O'Connor, from Dundee, Scotland, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

The court was told how O'Connor stabbed 89-year-old Frederick Burge at his home in Glastonbury on 26 February last year.

Police said Mr Burge was a "well-known character" in the town known for his "friendly smile".

O'Connor, of Hilltown, was charged on 8 March last year and will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court at a later date.

At the time of his death, Mr Burge's family shared a tribute to the "best dad, grandad, great-grandad and great-great-grandad in the world".

Frederick Burge was found dead at his home in Glastonbury in February 2023

They said: "He was a loving, kind and charming man and a huge hole has been left in our hearts by his sudden passing.

"We take some comfort in knowing he is up in heaven with his late wife, Marina, and he is looking down on us and we know he would want us to be strong.

"We will look back on the cherished memories of the time we had together with fondness, and we will treasure these always."

'Well-known character'

MCIT senior investigating officer, Det Supt Gary Haskins, said: "Our collective thoughts remain with Frederick's family, who have been supportive throughout the investigation.

"Frederick was described by them as a well-known character in Glastonbury with a friendly smile who regularly stopped to talk with others in the community.

"We hope this result will give the family some closure and give them solace following what has undoubtedly been a very difficult time."