Killer told: you can start jail term now

VICTIM: Andy Molloy

A BLACKPOOL man has admitted the manslaughter of Hathershaw’s Andy Molloy in a late-night attack.

Louis Patrick Veitch (22), of Caunce Street, was warned by Judge Anthony Gee QC that he faces a jail sentence for the unlawful killing.

But, in an unusual move, the judge first wants to hear a trial of evidence on Thursday before sentencing.

He will listen to the testimony of several witnesses, without the need of a jury, to gauge what happened before deciding on the severity of the sentence.

Veitch struck Mr Molloy outside Oldham’s Old Mess House pub, Yorkshire Street, on March 15, causing the 25-year-old to fall back and crack his head on the ground. He suffered serious head injuries and died at Salford’s Hope Hospital hours later.

At Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, yesterday, relatives of Mr Molloy burst into tears as Veitch pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

He was remanded in custody after Judge Gee told him: “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence that will attract a sentence of imprisonment. You can begin serving that sentence now.”

Veitch pleaded not guilty to a charge of actual bodily harm, relating to an incident on March 6, and assault, referring to an incident hours before the attack on Mr Molloy.

The prosecution offered no evidence on these charges and Veitch was cleared of them.

Tributes to Mr Molloy flooded in after his death and his family have spoken of their devastation and say they will never get over the loss.

The pub was closed for a month after 71 offences in 12 months were connected to it. But it has since reopened as The Corner House and the new licensee has been praised for turning it around.