Two admit murder of man with learning disabilities

4:30pm Monday 7th January 2008

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TWO men today admitted the murder of a 23-year-old disabled man who was beaten to death in a street attack.

William Hughes, 21, and a 16-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to the murder of Brent Martin, who had learning difficulties.

''You each pleaded guilty to murder and there is only one sentence I can pass upon you - you know well enough what it is - it is a life sentence."

Judge John Milford QC

Mr Martin died in hospital after being found with multiple injuries in Baxter Road on Sunderland's Town End Farm Estate on August 23 last year.

Hughes, of Washington Road, Sunderland, and the teenager changed their plea to guilty on the eve of trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Judge John Milford QC told the pair: ''You each pleaded guilty to murder and there is only one sentence I can pass upon you - you know well enough what it is - it is a life sentence.

''But I have to fix the minimum term before you can be considered for parole. I will be assisted in doing so by a report from the Probation Service.'' Both were remanded in custody until sentencing at a later date.

A third defendant, aged 17, denies the murder of Mr Martin and a jury will be sworn in tomorrow, the court was told.

The 16-year-old's mother, aged 47, will also go on trial on Tuesday accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice - a charged linked to the murder of Mr Martin.

Mr Martin's family, including mother Brenda and twin sister Danielle, were in the public gallery to hear the guilty pleas.