TWO men accused of murdering a dad-of-two in Leigh have admitted killing him.

Kevin Derbyshire and Dwayne Turner, both from Leigh, denied murdering 50-year-old Edward Wood but pleaded guilty to his manslaughter at a court hearing today.

Mr Wood was found seriously injured outside the Ocean’s Eleven Chip shop on Railway Road, Leigh shortly before midnight on May 4 and died in hospital an hour later.

Derbyshire, 32, of Findlay Street, Leigh and Turner, 28, of Railway Road, Leigh, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from Forest Bank prison today, Friday.

A date for their trial had been provisionally listed for October 31 but instead they will be sentenced on September 8.

Nigel Power, QC, prosecuting, said that after careful consideration of the evidence it had been decided to accept the pleas to manslaughter because as each defendant had only delivered one blow it would be ‘difficult to prove murderous intent’.

He said there were ‘aggravating features’ involved in the killing and the extended sentence provision may apply.

Judge David Aubrey QC told Liverpool Crown Court that a pre-sentence report is prepared which “must address the issue of dangerousness.”

The two men wanted their sentence to be dealt with over the video link at their next appearance but the judge refused this request and they are to be produced at court.

They were both remanded in custody.

Mr Wood was set to become a granddad for the first time later this year and his family have spoken of their ‘deep sadness’ over his death.

In a statement released at the time they said: “We are deeply saddened with the tragic and meaningless loss of Edward.

“He was a much-loved son, dad, brother and uncle, the tragic news has shocked us as a family.

“Edward lived alone in Leigh and had a special bond with his mother Lois, with whom he spent a great deal of time.

“We are all coming to terms as to why Edward lost his life.

“Edward was a dad of two – to Ryan and Daniel – and had just learned he was to be a granddad later this year, and was really looking forward to it.

“This news had given him a new spring in his step and he was excited about the future.

“We would like to thank everyone for all the kind messages of support we have received at this very sad time."