Northampton single punch death: Teenager pleads guilty

A teenager has admitted the manslaughter of a man who died from a single punch in an "unprovoked" attack.

Arthur Billings, 19, of Upper High Street, Harpole, pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court on Friday.

Bradley Matcham, 24, died of his injuries after he was assaulted in an alleyway off Drapery in Northampton on 9 February.

Mr Matcham was assaulted after a "heated exchange of words" with Billings.

He was punched by Billings, fell to the floor unconscious, and was taken to University Hospital in Coventry where he died nine days later.

Det Con Spencer Bailey said: "Bradley did not provoke this punch or threaten Billings in any way.

"In fact, his hands were in his pockets and his head was turned away at the moment he was punched, giving him no opportunity to defend himself."

Billings was released on bail ahead of sentencing in September.