A BRIERLEY Hill man has admitted killing a 26-year-old Stourbridge man who died when he ran into the path of a lorry.

Garret Fitzpatrick had armed himself with a hammer and he “was intent on violence” when he went after Sartaj Aziz, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

When Mr Aziz saw Fitzpatrick he was “so frightened he ran off in a way that ultimately led to his death” - Hugh O’Brien-Quinn, prosecuting, said.

He said it was accepted the attack was borne out of something that happened earlier and that “Mr Fitzpatrick did not like Mr Aziz”.

Fitzpatrick, of Bank Street, Brierley Hill, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was further remanded in custody until Wednesday December 18.

Judge John Warner said a pre-sentence report was necessary before the case could be finalised and he told Fitzpatrick, who wore a striped jumper, blue shirt and jeans, “the fact I’m asking for a report does not tie the hands of the court about the sentence you will receive”.

Mr Aziz, who lived in Prescott Road, Stourbridge, was killed when he was hit by a lorry in Thorns Road, Quarry Bank, on August 20.

Mr O’Brien-Quinn told the judge there were a number of disputed points in the basis of plea put forward by Fitzpatrick but he said they would not have any significant effect on the sentence.

In a statement after the incident the mother of Mr Aziz said “he was highly thought of and well respected by not only his friends and family but the larger community in the Lye area.

“I was very proud of my son and he will be missed forever and a day.”

Floral tributes were placed on a lamp-post outside the Formula One hand car wash in Thorns Road where Mr Aziz was knocked down and killed.

After the crash, the dual carriageway near the Merry Hill shopping centre was closed in both directions while police carried out their investigation.

The case against Fitzpatrick will be outlined in full when he next appears before the crown court.