A 53-YEAR-OLD man has admitted the manslaughter of a Cheltenham man who died after being punched unconscious at a pub two years ago.

At Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (June 26) Liam McKane, of Uxbridge, Middlesex, admitted unlawfully killing 51-year-old Colin Leslie, who died a week after the assault on Saturday, August 28 in 2021 in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Mr Leslie was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with head injuries following the punch outside the Kingsbridge pub in Bourton-on-the-Water, but he died on Sunday, September 5 in 2021.

Prosecutor James Ward told the court yesterday that the lawyers in the case had read the Attorney General’s reference that when there is an issue over misguided belief of self-defence with another, it would require a fact finding hearing.

He added: “A defence like this would most likely fall into the lowest category.”

Charles Royle defending, told the court that the formal basis of plea would be submitted to the court after consultation with his client.

Judge Martin Picton released McKane on conditional bail and ordered him to return to court for sentencing on Friday, August 11.

In a statement issued shortly after Mr Leslie’s death The family said: “Colin was a dearly loved son, father, brother, partner and uncle.

“Colin was always a happy guy who was well known to everyone and who touched so many lives.

"We as a family are absolutely heartbroken that he has been tragically taken from us like this.

"Our lives without Colin will never be the same again.”