A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a grandfather with a weapon during an argument.
Lee John Whitlock, 53, killed friend Robert Farley at the deceased's home in Barry between September 1 and September 3 last year.
The defendant initially denied killing the 61-year-old but he pleaded guilty to murder on Monday at Newport Crown Court, on the day his trial was due to start.
Defence barrister Sarah Jones QC read out a basis of plea to the court. She said: "This was an unplanned incident, the two were drinking together as they have many times before and an argument began, during the course of which (the murder) was done.
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"The weapon was taken from the window sill of Mr Farley's flat and was not taken to the scene by Mr Whitlock."
Police were called to the Knapp, in Barry, at 12.38am on September 3 last year after receiving reports of a man threatening to shoot people.
They found Whitlock, who then led officers to the home of Mr Farley, claiming they were friends and he was worried about him after not hearing from him for a few days.
But when police arrived at Mr Farley's West Walk home, they found him severely injured and confirmed his death.
The defendant, also of West Walk, refused to enter the courtroom so a video link had to be set up in order for him to enter his plea.
Judge Daniel Williams adjourned sentencing to Tuesday, March 8.
Addressing Whitlock, the judge said: "You have pleaded guilty to murder, the next stage is to proceed to sentencing you and I am going to adjourn sentence to get more information about you.
"You understand you face a life sentence but information I've sought may assist in determining the tariff that applies to your case."
Whitlock, who was wearing a blue face mask, thanked the judge.
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Speaking after the hearing senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Mark Lewis, said: "I am pleased that the defendant has decided to plead guilty to the murder of Robert Farley. This is testament to the hard work of all of the officers and staff who gathered the evidence in this investigation as well as the Crown Prosecution Service and Prosecuting Counsel.
"This murder was a callous and violent attack on a placid and well-liked man who was loved dearly by his family. It is clear to me from the evidence we gathered that Whitlock is a violent individual who has shown no remorse whatsoever for his actions.
"I am convinced that his conviction makes the public of Barry and south Wales safer. I am very grateful to the community and the witnesses who supported us during this investigation – again their commitment has contributed to today’s outcome.
"I sincerely hope that this conviction brings some sense of closure to Bobby’s family whilst recognising that no outcome will bring Bobby back.”
Mr Farley's sister Kim Farley said: "Bobby was a gentle and loving father and brother who we miss dearly. This guilty plea brings us a great sense of relief and prevents us from having to go through the awful trauma of a trial.
"As a family we are truly thankful to South Wales Police for the support they have given us – from day one right up until today they have been there for us. We hope this outcome today is the justice that Bobby fully deserves.”
In a tribute issued at the time of Mr Farley's death, his daughter Michele said: "Bobby was given the name ‘the quiet man’ by those who knew him.
“This portrays his personality well – he was a gentle, peaceful and loving man.
“Earlier in his life he was a hardworking, very sociable, and well-liked by many.
“Bobby had his own battle with alcohol – he tried numerous times to overcome this with support from his friends and family.
“He was a son, a brother, a father to Michele, and grandfather to three wonderful boys.
“Our hearts are filled with grief and sadness at the untimely death of our much-loved father, grandad, and friend. Our memories of my dad will live in our hearts forever of the vibrant, charismatic, fun-loving and kind man that graced our lives."
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