A "cowardly" killer from Old Town has pleaded guilty to murder after killing a man in a robbery.

Paul Warren, of Victoria Road, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday and admitted to killing Martin Brown from Penhill.

The 25-year-old attacked 54-year-old Martin as the victim walked home via Beechcroft Road in Upper Stratton on January 27, 2022.

Police say Warren repeatedly punched Martin in the head until he handed over his wallet and provided the PIN for his bank card.

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Martin tried to continue on his journey home but collapsed in the street, where he was found at around 6am the next day.

He died in hospital 11 days later, on February 7.

Det Chief Insp Phil Walker said: “Martin had missed the last bus home after doing a grocery shop at a local supermarket so he decided to walk to his home address in Queensfield.

"Tragically, he was targeted by Paul Warren who launched a violent and sustained attack on him.

“Officers continued with their enquiries and were able to piece together Martin’s final movements and, through CCTV enquiries, were able to identify Warren as the man behind the attack.

"He was arrested initially on suspicion of robbery, before a charge of murder was authorised after Martin sadly died as a result of his injuries.

“This was a completely random attack and Warren’s actions were totally cowardly – he has devastated a family and all of those who knew Martin.

“Violence of this severity will not be tolerated. It causes fear within our community and I am hopeful that a lengthy custodial sentence will be handed to Warren when he next appears in court.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Martin’s family who have had their world turned upside down by Warren’s actions.

"Despite this, they have acted with dignity throughout this ordeal. My thoughts are with them at what continues to be an incredibly difficult time.”

Warren, who had earlier pleaded guilty to robbery in 2022, is due to be sentenced for both the murder and robbery offences on July 20. 

He was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent before further investigations into how his victim sustained his injuries were carried out and the charge was changed.