Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 2nd April 2025, at 17:10hrs
Leigh Smith, 39, of Binyon Court, Lancaster, has admitted to the murder of 49-year-old Keith Thompson in Heysham.
The guilty plea came on the seventh day of his trial at Preston Crown Court today, Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 28th, 2024, when Mr. Thompson was assaulted off Heysham Road, near the Bay Medical Centre.
Emergency services responded to the scene and transported Mr. Thompson to the hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
A subsequent postmortem examination revealed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Following an investigation, Smith was arrested and charged with Mr. Thompson’s murder. After initially denying the charge, he changed his plea to guilty in court.
Detective Chief Inspector John McNamara of the Force Major Investigation Team expressed his thoughts, stating,
“Smith carried out a cowardly attack on a vulnerable man, which cost Keith his life.
My thoughts remain with Keith’s family and loved ones at this incredibly distressing time.
Smith put them through the worry of a trial, before only admitting his guilt seven days later.”
DCI McNamara continued, “I welcome the guilty plea, and hope that Smith finally admitting his wrongdoing begins to give Keith’s loved ones some closure.”
Keith Thompson’s family continues to receive support from specially trained officers during this difficult time.
Leigh Smith has been remanded back into custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
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