Man admits manslaughter of 76-year-old

A man has admitted killing a 76-year-old near a train station in Birmingham last year.

Alvin Callum died after he was found in a serious condition on Birchfield Road, Perry Barr, on 23 October.

West Midlands Police said an investigation established he had been assaulted earlier near Perry Barr train station.

Omajuwa Scarlett, 31, of Nash Square, Perry Barr, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and will return to Birmingham Crown Court on 8 January to be sentenced.

Scarlett had been due to face a murder trial, but his plea to manslaughter was accepted by the prosecution.

Edward Brown KC, representing the Crown, said Scarlett was not fit to enter any pleas "for a number of months" following his arrest, but his treatment has progressed.

He said: "Expert psychiatric evidence is clear and unanimous, and having discussed the case in detail with the family of the deceased, Mr Callum, the prosecution has taken the decision to accept the plea of guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility."

Scarlett appeared by video link from hospital for the hearing wearing a green Adidas T-shirt and spoke only to enter his guilty plea and acknowledge that he could hear the judge.

Judge Andrew Smith KC said there was "clear and persuasive evidence on each of the elements of diminished responsibility".

He told Scarlett time would be taken to prepare sentencing reports and added: "Between now and then you will remain in custody – in effect, you will remain in hospital."

The judge also paid tribute to the "dignity" shown by Mr Callum's family in the public gallery and said: "It is obvious it must be a very difficult day for them."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.