A MAN has pleaded guilty to killing an ex-serviceman on the day his trial for manslaughter was due to start.
Christopher Edminson was accused of killing Eric Hunter following a violent attack in Middlesbrough town centre last year.
Father-of-two Mr Hunter sustained serious head injuries in the early hours of Saturday, July 25.
He was taken to James Cook Hospital but died there on Monday, July 27.
The 20-year-old pleaded guilty to manslaughter during the short hearing at Teesside Crown Court.
His case was adjourned to allow time for a probation service report to be carried out and he will be sentenced later today.
Edminson, of Bull Lane, York, was released on bail to give him to time to put his 'affairs in order'.
The court heard Edminson had just recently become a father for the first time.
Last year, Mr Hunter's family paid tribute to the former soldier who is believed to have served in the Royal Logistics Corp.
His sons, Jacob and Daniel, honoured their 'loving daddy', saying: “We know you are in heaven watching over us. You will always be by our side.
"We will treasure the awesome memories we made with you; family days out, Christmas traditions, playing, belly laughing and loads more."
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