A MAN who killed a fellow resident at a Darwen hostel in a ferocious attack has been jailed for life.

After committing the murder, David Smith gloated about his crime and told police "I did the beast and drank his beer".

His victim, 56-year-old Jeffrey Livesey, suffered severe head injuries, as well as two fractured ribs and ruptures to the liver and spleen.

Smith had claimed his victim was a paedophile but Preston Crown Court heard there was no truth whatsoever in the allegation.

Smith, 22, pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Livesey in July last year. Both men were residents at the hostel in Police Street at the time.

The judge, sentencing him to life, directed that the defendant must serve at least 13 years and five months before he can be considered for parole.

The prosecution said the defendant had spread rumours that Mr Livesey was a paedophile and said he would batter him because he was a "nonce."

"There is absolutely no evidence that Mr Livesey was in any way involved in any sexual offences," said Fiorella Brereton, prosecuting. "It was a ferocious attack."

After the kiilling, Smith had gone into the hostel's TV room and said: "I've done it, I've done it, I have killed him."

The victim was found lying under a bed and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. A post mortem examination found injuries consistent with being stamped and knelt on.

Following his arrest, Smith told police: "I will not do time because I will say I am mental in the head. If I go to prison when I come out I'll do the same to somebody."

Peter Wright, QC, defending, said Smith had been living an aimless, nomadic lifestyle. He had an anti-social, schizoid personality and could be volatile when drunk.

"We state publicly his belief that Mr Livesey was a paedophile was wholly wrong" said Mr Wright.

He said the defendant had felt isolated and turned his aggression to Mr Livesey.