Man admits manslaughter over street fight death

A man involved in a street fight in Ilkeston that led to a 19-year-old's death has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Liam Derrett suffered head injuries after he was attacked in Market Place in the early hours of 1 June, and died in hospital days later.

Derbyshire Police said Joshua Harris, 24, of Little Hallam Lane in Ilkeston, admitted manslaughter.

Kai Donachie, 23, of Bilborough Road in Nottingham, admitted affray, and both men will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court on 15 December.

Both men had initially been charged with murder in the days after the fight, but Derbyshire Police said the new charges were accepted by the prosecution during a hearing on Thursday.

Det Insp Viki Ellis said: "This has been a deeply distressing case for Liam's family and for everyone affected by his death.

"Whilst [the] guilty pleas cannot undo the pain caused, they will at least spare the family the further ordeal of a lengthy trial."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.