Teenager admits killing man at hospital in Basingstoke
Richard Laversuch died at Parklands Hospital after a serious assault
A man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, ABH and assaulting an emergency worker following an incident that took place in Basingstoke in November 2021.
Owen Herbert, 19, from The Green, Overton, Hampshire, appeared via video link at Birmingham Crown Court and entered guilty pleas to manslaughter, ABH and assaulting an emergency worker on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
It comes after officers were called at 4.07am on Saturday, 27 November 2021 following reports of a serious assault at Parklands mental health Hospital.
Richard Laversuch, 63, from Andover, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man, aged in his 60s, was assaulted and taken to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital as a precaution, but was discharged shortly afterwards.
After his death Mr Laversuch’s family made this tribute to him:
“Richard was kind and intelligent. He was thoughtful, caring and a good listener.
“Though he struggled with his health throughout most of his adult life, his first thought was always for the wellbeing of others.
“He both volunteered for and worked in elderly care and he touched the lives of all he encountered.
“He loved political discourse, music and general knowledge. One of his great loves was participating in the pub quiz with his friends.
“He followed Bath rugby, practised meditation and yoga, and passionately supported the Free Tibet campaign."
Herbert will appear at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, February 10, to be sentenced.