A MAN killed his friend in a street punch-up, a court heard yesterday.

Kevin King, 29, had been a close friend of victim David Lilley before the brawl which was to end his life.

King and Mr Lilley, a 36-year-old warehouseman, were involved in an argument in the street in Penshaw, Wearside, on December 1 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how during the argument, King, of Maple Terrace, Penshaw, turned away from Mr Lilley but was grabbed by the arm.

John Evans, prosecuting, told the court how King responded by elbowing Mr Lilley twice in the face, followed by a punch which knocked him to the floor.

The court heard how the fall led to Mr Lilley smashing his head and fracturing his skull, which resulted in his death.

He was found in the street a short time later.

His death left his eight-year-old daughter and his long-term partner devastated.

King pleaded guilty to manslaughter and Judge Peter Fox adjourned sentencing for five weeks for reports.

He was granted bail.