Lancaster man pleads guilty to manslaughter of friend

Kieran Cuffe, 44, appeared by videolink at Preston Crown Court to plead guilty to the manslaughter of John Houston.

Police found Mr Houston dead at his home in Laburnum Grove, Lancaster, on April 4.

Worried family members raised the alarm after becoming concerned they had not heard from Mr Houston for several days.

Cuffe, also of Laburnum Grove, was arrested on suspicion of murder as it was understood the friends had been involved in an altercation in the days prior to Mr Houston’s death.

However the prosecution accepted Cuffe’s plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter when he appeared in court.

Speaking only to confirm his name and enter his pleas, Cuffe appeared upset as he admitted killing his friend.

Judge Mark Brown, Honorary Recorder of Preston, remanded Cuffe in custody to return to court on August 3 when he will be sentenced.