A CREWE teenager accused of murdering a father-to-be pleaded guilty on the day his trial was due to start.

Anthony Holmes, 19, of Gains-borough Road, was charged with the murder of Jamie Lee Vernon after the 18-year-old was found dead at Dee Way, Winsford, on July 2 last year.

Mr Vernon, of King-sway, Winsford, was stabbed to death after what witnesses described as a 'play fight' spiralled out of control.

Holmes had previously denied murder and pleaded not guilty at a plea hearing in October. But yesterday afternoon he pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court. After agreeing a 'basis of plea' with the prosecution, George Lawson-Rogers, defending, said: 'We have always based our case on the intention not being to kill but to seriously harm. We have spoken to the deceased's mother and girlfriend and explained the position to them.'

Peter Hughes, prosecuting, said: 'When Jamie Lee Vernon was stabbed the defendant accepts at that moment he intended to commit grievous bodily harm.'

Recorder of Chester Judge Elgan Edwards said that because of Holmes' age a pre-sentence report would be prepared and 'all personal circumstances investigated'. He was remanded in custody until April when a date for sentencing will be set.

Holmes spent most the evening of the murder at an address in Dee Way with friends.

Mr Vernon had been at the Prince's Feathers pub. He left around closing time with a friends and on the way back met Holmes, and witnesses say the pair began 'play fighting'.

Holmes then walked off and Mr Vernon was joined by his girl-friend. Moments later Holmes returned and confronted Mr Vernon, saying: 'What are you fighting for Jay?' Mr Vernon ran towards Holmes, throwing a punch but missing.

Holmes appeared to punch him in the stomach, forcing him to stumble backwards. Mr Vernon collapsed on the floor, his face white and his stomach covered in blood.

During interview, Holmes admitted to stabbing Mr Vernon with a knife he later hid. He told police he did not mean to kill him, but wanted revenge for an injury sustained in the earlier fight.

Det Insp Geoff Elvey, who led the investigation, said: 'These are particularly tragic circumstances.'