Jordan Davidson admits Wrexham murder of Nicholas Churton

Jordan Davidson (left) has admitted murdering Nicholas Churton (right)

A man has admitted murdering a former wine bar owner at his home in Wrexham.

Jordan Davidson, 25, was to go on trial at Mold Crown Court, but changed his plea to guilty on Thursday.

Nicholas Churton, 67, known for running Churtons in Rossett, was found dead in his flat on Crescent Close on 27 March this year.

Davidson appeared in court via video link from Ashworth Hospital, where he is being held.

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He also admitted other charges, including two burglaries, a robbery, an attempted robbery, attempted grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm on police officers.

Most of the crimes were committed in the days around the murder and were attacks on older men.

The court heard Davidson had a long list of previous convictions, and the prosecution said one of the triggers for the offences was he knew he was going back to prison.

In April 2015, he was jailed for burglary and attempted burglary, and while in prison he admitted the unlawful possession of a knife.

When he was released on licence in December 2016 he returned to the Wrexham area and was placed in accommodation near to where Mr Churton was living.

Mr Churton lived alone was found dead in his living room by a friend

On 13 March, Mr Churton complained to police alleging Davidson had threatened him with a hammer and caused damage to his flat.

Davidson protested his innocence. Andrew Thomas QC, prosecuting, said: "This disagreement may have been a trigger for the defendant's conduct."

"It may also have contributed to the selection of Mr Churton as a victim."

The court was told Mr Churton was found dead with major head injuries.

"Two weapons were used in the attack - a large machete and a hammer," said Mr Thomas.

'Easy target'

The court was shown a picture of a masked Davidson holding the machete, and heard he had sent messages to friends of his "new toy" saying he could not wait to "cleave someone".

Mr Churton was a well-known and successful businessman with restaurants in Rossett and Tarporley in Cheshire, but in later years he had become "prone to drinking" and sold his businesses.

At the time of his death, Mr Churton was "physically frail and disabled" and his family was concerned he was vulnerable to exploitation and "an easy target".

The court heard a victim impact statement from Mr Churton's daughter.

She said: "My brother and I never expected to lose our dad in this way and have all been shocked by his death and how it occurred."

She described him as a "charming and very endearing character and kind at heart".

Mr Justice Clive Lewis adjourned sentencing until next week.