Bridgwater man guilty of killing elderly church warden

A man has admitted killing an elderly church warden during a burglary at her home.

David Parish, 36, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 86-year-old Beryl Purdy by reason of diminished responsibility.

Police were called to a burglary in progress at Mrs Purdy's home on 27 March last year in Broomfield, on the Quantock Hills. She died of her injuries.

Parish remains in custody with a provisional sentencing date in March.

Parish, of Halyard Drive, Bridgwater, appeared via video link during the brief hearing at Bristol Crown Court on 29 January.

He spoke only to confirm his name and plea.

Anna Vigars KC, prosecuting, told the court: "We have received psychiatric reports commissioned by the defence and the Crown.

"They both come to the same conclusion.

"I can confirm that were a plea of not guilty to murder, but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, to be entered that would be acceptable to the Crown."

Judge William Hart remanded Parish into custody to await his sentencing before High Court Judge Mr Justice Saini.

He told him: "You understand what is going to happen and you will be sentenced on 1 March ."

In a statement, Mrs Purdy's family said: "As a family, we are devastated to have lost a dearly loved wife, mother and granny.

"Bez was a caring person who would help anyone in need and was very much part of the village, being a church warden for 20 years.

"We will miss her very much and we are all struggling to understand why this happened to such a lovely person."

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