Man pleads guilty to murdering his 73-year-old father

A 30-year-old man has admitted to murdering his 73-year-old father on the day his trial was due to begin.

Christopher Monro pleaded guilty to killing Peter Monro, who died following an incident in Bath, Somerset, on February 11.

A carer found the elderly man with knife wounds in a bedroom shortly after noon. He was declared dead shortly after.

Monro had been due to stand trial at Bristol Crown Court on Monday but changed his plea to guilty. He was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on November 7.

Avon and Somerset Police said the emergency services were called to the property in Kelston View following the killing .

Detectives discovered Monro had been staying with his father the weekend before, with several people reporting having heard an argument two days previously.

Officers traced Monro's movements and he was subsequently arrested at his home address in Oxford.

In a statement issued by police following the guilty plea, Mr Monro's family said: "Peter Monro was an incredibly eccentric, funny, intelligent and unique man.

"He refused to be anything other than himself. A man of his own time. No-one else's.

"His love of literature carried him through life, and his sharp mind was impossible to beat."

They added: "This has been an extremely challenging time for Peter's loved ones.

"We hope he is now with the swallows and thank Avon and Somerset Police for their professionalism and support through all of this.

"While life will never be the same again for Peter's family, we can now move forward with greater dignity and a deeper understanding of the need for compassion and faith."

Detective Inspector Neil Meade, who led the investigation, said: "The past six months have been incredibly painful time for Peter's family and their touching tribute to him is an indication of how loved he was.