Man pleads guilty to killing mother's partner

A man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his mother's partner in County Londonderry nearly three years ago.

Cornelius O'Neill, 56, died after being stabbed in the Tamlaght O'Crilly area of Kilrea in August 2023.

Jason Tyrone Spence, 36, of Millburn Street, Cookstown, County Tyrone, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday, where he admitted unlawfully killing Cornelius O'Neill and having a hunting knife on 26 August 2023.

Spence's barrister told the court the manslaughter plea was entered "on the basis of diminished responsibility".

The prosecution accepted the manslaughter plea after consulting the dead man's family, the court was told.

A prosecution barrister asked for the murder charge be left on the books, which the judge agreed to.

The court was told that Spence will be examined by a psychologist and that a pre-sentence report and that victim impact statements will also be prepared.

Madam Justice McBride said she would review the case in September, so that a date for the plea and sentencing can be set.

Spence was remanded in custody until the next hearing.