Man admits killing church warden Beryl Purdy in Broomfield

David Parish pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Beryl Purdy by reason of diminished responsibility, reports the PA news agency.

He pleaded not guilty to the 86-year-old’s murder.

During the brief hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Parish, who appeared via video link, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.

Anna Vigars KC, prosecuting, told the court: “We have received psychiatric reports commissioned by the defence and the Crown.

“They both come to the same conclusion.

“I can confirm that were a plea of not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility to be entered that would be acceptable to the Crown.”

Judge William Hart remanded Parish, of Halyard Drive, Bridgwater, into custody and set a provisional sentencing date of March 1 before High Court judge Mr Justice Saini.

He told him: “You understand what is going to happen and you will be sentenced on March 1.”

Police on the scene in March last year (Image: SWNS)

Police were called to reports of a burglary in progress at Mrs Purdy’s home at about 5.45pm on March 27 last year in Broomfield, near Bridgwater.

She was found seriously injured and died at the property.

In a statement, Mrs Purdy’s family said: “As a family, we are devastated to have lost a dearly loved wife, mother and granny.

“Bez was a caring person who would help anyone in need and was very much part of the village, being a church warden for 20 years.

“We will miss her very much and we are all struggling to understand why this happened to such a lovely person.”

Back in March last year, neighbours paying tributes to Mrs Purdy told the BBC: "Having been lucky enough to have known Bez as a close family friend for over 20 years we were devastated to learn of her passing.

"Bez was a charismatic person and a devoted member of our community having been our church warden for as long as we can remember.

"Our best memories of Bez were having daily chats over the church wall and her unsuspecting dry sense of humour."

The Rev Mary Styles from The Church of St Mary and All Saints added: "The community is in shock and we are all deeply saddened by this incident.

"As a church community we are holding the family of the deceased, as well as the wider community, in our prayers and the church remains available to anyone who feels they need support at this tragic time."