A COURT heard today that the 17-year-old youth accused of murdering pensioner Dickie Percival admits unlawfully killing him with a hammer.

The youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is alleged to have murdered 71-year-old Richard Percival at his home in Newton-le-Willows.

Mr Percival is a former footballer and secretary with Vulcan FC who was well known across the sporting community. Vulcan official have described him as a "club legend".

“Dickie”, as he was known, was found dead at the house in Dixon Avenue after the attack on Thursday, (August 17). The cause of death has been confirmed as blunt force trauma to the back of the head.

The defendant appeared at Liverpool Crown Court in custody, having first appeared in the youth court, facing charges of murder and stealing £620 cash belonging to Mr Percival.

Family members, who included his father, sat in the public gallery and some were visibly upset during the proceedings.

The youth, who was wearing a grey t-shirt, did not enter any pleas during the hearing but Michael Stephenson, prosecuting, said that the teenager admits striking the victim to the back of head with a hammer and defence solicitor Paul Potter confirmed, “he admits striking fatal blows.”

Judge David Aubrey, QC, fixed a provisional trial date, expected to last three to four days, beginning on February 12 and the defendant was further remanded in custody until September 18 when he is expected to enter his pleas.

No application was made for bail.