A man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of another man who died of multiple blunt force injuries to the head.

Simon Bennett, 44, entered his plea on the grounds of diminished responsibility in connection with the death of Elliot Handley on the day he was due to stand trial for his murder at Winchester Crown Court.

Nigel Lickley QC, prosecuting, said that the plea was acceptable to the prosecution.

Mr Handley, 46, from Eastleigh, was found dead in a flat at the Dorchester Collection car dealership in Dorchester, Dorset, on May 26 last year.

A post mortem examination revealed that Elliot died of multiple blunt force head injuries.

The scene was forensically examined over three days.

A number of items were seized that are believed to have been used in the attack, including a claw hammer, a heavy metallic object and a bottle.

The judge, Mrs Justice Patterson, adjourned the case for sentencing and ordered medical reports to be prepared on the defendant, who is being held at Ravenswood House secure mental health hospital.

She told the defendant: ''Your case will be adjourned today for sentence on another occasion. I am ordering that there are two further medical reports prepared on your behalf. In the meantime you will remain in the Ravenswood establishment.''

 Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s MCIT, said: “Our thoughts today are with Elliot’s family who are being supported by family liaison officers.

“I hope today’s plea brings some closure for them.

“They have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”