Killer who murdered victim with weapon in his own flat to be sentenced – follow live

A man is due to be sentenced for murdering a grandfather whom he hit in the head with a weapon during an argument.

Lee John Whitlock, 53, murdered Robert Farley, known as Bobby, at his Barry flat between September 1 and September 3 and later led police to the scene after claiming he was concerned about his friend.

When police arrived at the West Walk flat on September 3 they discovered Mr Farley's body and he appeared to be severely injured. They later established that he was dead.

Whitlock, also of West Walk, initially denied killing Mr Farley, 61, but pleaded guilty to murder on the first day of his trial at Newport Crown Court on Monday.

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Defence barrister Sarah Jones QC read out a basis of plea to the court. She said: "This was an unplanned incident. The two were drinking together as they have many times before and an argument began during the course of which [the murder] was done.

"The weapon was taken from the window sill of Mr Farley's flat and was not taken to the scene by Mr Whitlock."

Whitlock was brought to police's attention after they were called to the Knapp at 12.38am on September 3 after receiving a report of man threatening to shoot people.

When they arrived at the scene they found the defendant who asked to be taken to Mr Farley's address, claiming he was worried about him having not heard from him for a few days. After bringing Whitlock to Mr Farley's address they discovered the victim's body.

Judge Daniel Williams told the defendant he faces a life sentence but has yet to determine the tariff in his case. Sentencing will take place at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday morning.

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Mr Farley's sister Kim Farley