A TEENAGER has admitted killing Michael Beckwith.

Joseph Smith, 18, admitted manslaughter at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

He denies murdering the 44-year-old.

Mr Beckwith was attacked in an remote location off Barrack Lane, Harwich, on July 31.

He later died, as a result of his injuries, at Colchester General Hospital on August 2.

Smith had previously denied any involvement but admitted the alternative charge of manslaughter when he appeared at court today.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed they were still pursuing the charge of murder against Smith.

It is alleged two men battered the care worker with metal bars after he was allegedly lured into the remote location by his former girlfriend, Rebecca Ryan.

Earlier on Friday the jury heard a prepared statement, which Smith had given to police during his interviews in August, prior to his admission.

It stated: “I have never met Rebecca Ryan.

“I think she may have made a friend request on Facebook as she said she knew Scott Swift.

“I have known Scott Swift for several months.

“I got to know him through Airsoft.

“I have seen him socially at least ten times.”

In the statement he claimed he had been to Party in the Park in Colchester on July 30 and was at home on July 31 until he went out with his girlfriend.

He claimed he had been walking with her until after midnight on August 1, hours after the attack.

The statement continued: “Having dropped her off I saw Scott Swift on his motorbike.

“I asked if I could stay at his house.”

In the statement Smith said he stayed at Swift’s house that night.

He claimed he did not go “anywhere near Barrack Lane”.

The statement continued: “I was not involved in any attack on Michael Beckwith.”

After this statement Smith had answered no comment during all subsequent interviews.

On Friday the jury also heard a number of agreed facts including details of how various suspects allegedly involved in the attack and cover up were able to share prison vans and prison cells.

The court heard Enderlein Biddlecombe and Rebecca Ryan shared a cell at HMP Chelmsford and a prison transport.

Triston Biddlecombe, who is accused of providing a false alibi for Scott Swift, shared a cell with Scott Swift for two weeks in December.

The case for the defence is due to open on Monday and the trial continues.

Three people remain facing murder charges.

Mr Beckwith, 44, of Goodlake Close, Dovercourt, died on August 2.

Scott Swift, 27, of Station Road, Dovercourt, Joseph Smith, 18, of Canning Street, Harwich, and Rebecca Ryan, 22, of Hilltop Rise, Weeley, are charged with murder.

Ryan is also charged with perverting the course of justice.

It is alleged, between July 30 and August 24 last year, she falsely claimed she had also been attacked when the attack on Michael Beckwith took place.

Triston Biddlecombe, 24, and wife Enderlein Biddlecombe, 20, both of East Street, Harwich, both face one count of assisting alleged offenders Swift and Smith.

It is alleged they, between July 30 and August 3 and knowing or believing the pair had committed an offence, washed and burned clothing worn by Swift and Smith with intent to impede their apprehension.
They also face one count of perverting the course of justice by providing a false alibi for Swift.

All five deny these charges they are facing.

Smith has admitted an alternative count of manslaughter.