Friend changes plea to admit knife killing

David Baxter, 31, of Newcastle, changed his plea to guilty at Newcastle Crown Court, having previously denied the offence.

He was remanded in custody and warned he faced jail for killing his friend Christopher Baker, 18, in Seaham, County Durham, in April.

At a previous hearing, the prosecution alleged the teenager's death was not a tragic accident, but was caused by "stupidity", while the defence intended to argue it was due to "horseplay".

The case had been listed for trial next month but Baxter entered a new plea and he was remanded in custody to be sentenced next month.