Guilty plea on murder of disabled Rhyl man

Philip Holmes' death was initially treated as unexplained

A man has admitted killing a disabled former coal merchant who was found dead at home by his carer in April.

The body of Philip Holmes, 56, was discovered in his flat in Rhyl, Denbighshire on 16 April, after he had been seriously assaulted.

Martin Mather, 22, of Abbey Street in the town pleaded guilty to the murder at Caernarfon Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 15 November.

Mr Holmes, who used a frame to walk following an accident, was said to have been "well known" in the area.

At the time of his death his brother Andrew Holmes said Philip, a former coal merchant, had been rebuilding his life after years living in hostels and with friends.

An accident at work at the age of 18 left him disabled and unable to walk without a frame.

The death was initially described by police as "unexplained" but six days later it became a murder investigation.