A 39-year-old man was warned he faces a "substantial prison sentence" when he is sentenced by a judge for killing a 75-year-old pensioner. Wearing a T-shirt and trousers and sat in front of a desk in a room at HMP Doncaster, James Gill entered his guilty plea over a video link to the manslaughter of Neil Robinson on December 16 last year.
Gill spoke calmly over the link to courtroom three at Nottingham Crown Court, where his top half was visible at the desk and his image beamed live through flat-screen televisions on the walls of the court. Gill had previously denied the killing and was due to have a trial next month- but changed his plea on Tuesday, May 31, before Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, the Recorder of Nottingham.
He further pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the limit on December 16, 2021. No further details were heard about the background to the killing as the judge ordered a psychiatric assessment and pre-sentence report be prepared on Gill, of Station Road, Arksey, Doncaster.
READ MORE: Court updates as man appears over killing of 75-year-old pensioner
At the time police were investigating reports that Mr Robinson was assaulted in Ranson Road, Chilwell, at around 12.20pm on December 16 last year. He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre and died six days later.
People of the local community offered their condolences and had described the news as "devastating", with many residents saying it was "shocking" to hear of in the area.
Opening an inquest into Mr Robinson's death at Nottingham Council House on Wednesday, April 20, assistant coroner Elizabeth Didcock said an initial post mortem exam had found he had died from a suspected head injury. The inquiry has been adjourned until a later date.
Representing Gill, his barrister Edward Moss said, after the pleas were entered, that completes matters on the indictment (the charge sheet). Mr Moss asked for an adjournment for a pre-sentence report and psychiatric assessment. He confirmed there was no basis of plea.
He said: "There is a long history of anxiety and depression this defendant has been suffering with at the time of the commission of these offences, and he is still receiving treatment and is still medicated to this day.
Sentencing will be listed for a half a day on July 22. The judge told Gill: "Obviously you face a substantial prison sentence. That will be decided by the sentencing judge on July 22 having read and heard all about the case. I am allowing time for a psychiatric report and a report from the probation".
He said one matter which is being considered is "future risk" - any risk of future harm that might be caused in the future.
Gill will be brought to court for the hearing on July 22.
Detective Inspector Becky Hodgman had said: “This is an extremely difficult time for Mr Robinson’s family and they are being supported by our specialist trained officers. A significant investigation has been ongoing since the incident and I would like to thank witnesses who have come forward to assist our investigation".
