THE TEENAGER accused of murdering Ricky Butler has admitted manslaughter.
Addressing the court for the first time, Richard Martin, 19, of Heath Way, Horsham, said he is responsible for the 15 year old's death, but denied murder.
In a trial at Lewes Crown Court, he has also denied wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to another teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
This afternoon, Martin's barrister David Fisher asked him: "Do you accept you are responsible for the death of Ricky Butler?"
He replied: "I accept that, yeah."
Mr Fisher asked: "And, although of course it's entirely a matter for the jury to decide, do you accept that you are guilty of his manslaughter?"
"Yes," he said.
"Did you intend to kill Ricky Butler?"
"No."
"Did you intend to cause him really serious harm?"
"No."
The jury was told that Martin has previous convictions for theft, burglary and possession of cannabis.
He said he had smoked 'a little bit' of cannabis on the night of the incident.
The case continues.
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