Man admits killing grandfather but denies murder

A man has denied murder but pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter over the death of a grandfather in Beswick.

Marvin Sutton, 35, of no fixed abode, admitted a charge of manslaughter, namely that he unlawfully killed Christopher Hanley on March 16 this year. Mr Hanley, known as 'Chris', was 57.

Greater Manchester Police has previously said officers responded to reports of an unresponsive male on Olympic Street, Beswick, on Saturday morning, March 16.

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Today (Tuesday) Sutton appeared at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court via videolink from HMP Dovegate. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to a charge of manslaughter when the clerk of the court put the charges to him.

Judge Maurice Greene adjourned the case for a pre-trial hearing on July 11. Sutton was remanded in custody. A trial date was set for September 9.

A co-defendant, Charlene Thomas, 37, of Regent Court in Gorton, also appeared at the hearing via videolink. She pleaded not guilty to a single charge of theft, namely that she stole car keys belonging to Christopher Hanley on March 16, 2024.

Following Mr Hanley’s death, his family paid tribute to him. They said: "As a family we are heartbroken and shocked at the sudden loss of Chris. A loved and devoted family man who adored his grandchildren... At this time, we as a family ask for privacy to show respect for Chris and his memory."

Proceeding.