A MAN has admitted murdering a pensioner after he was found with fatal head injuries.

John Swannack appeared at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday (January 12) where he pleaded guilty to murdering Accrington pensioner Bill Howard.

Police officers were called just before 2pm on August 28 to St James' Street in Accrington following reports of a concern for welfare.

Emergency services attended and found Mr Howard, 79, with serious head injuries.

He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination established the cause of death to be fatal head and chest injuries.

Swannack, 59, of Leger Court, Accrington, also pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and three counts of fraud relating to other vulnerable people in the area.

A 55-year-old man from Accrington and a 56-year-old man, also arrested on suspicion of murder, have since been released no further action.

Paying tribute at the time, Mr Howard's brother Jack said: "He was a quiet, lovely man who would not hurt a fly.

"Bill was my brother and he was also my best friend. We have been together for nearly 80 years and now I have lost him forever."

Swannack will be sentenced at the same court on March 15.