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Sentencing of murderer adjourned Sentencing of murderer adjourned
(about 1 hour later)
The sentencing of a man who admitted murdering an amateur photographer in a bungled mugging has been adjourned for the preparation of psychiatric reports.The sentencing of a man who admitted murdering an amateur photographer in a bungled mugging has been adjourned for the preparation of psychiatric reports.
Lee Phipps, 31, was knifed to death on his way to take pictures of snowy hills in South Shields on 2 March.Lee Phipps, 31, was knifed to death on his way to take pictures of snowy hills in South Shields on 2 March.
Scott Trevor Nichols, of Borough Road, South Shields, admitted murder at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.Scott Trevor Nichols, of Borough Road, South Shields, admitted murder at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.
A hearing to decide whether Nichols intended to kill or cause serious bodily injury will be held in January.A hearing to decide whether Nichols intended to kill or cause serious bodily injury will be held in January.
Stabbed in chestStabbed in chest
On Monday, Judge David Hodson, the Recorder at Newcastle Crown Court, said certain issues needed to be resolved as they would affect the minimum term the court could set.On Monday, Judge David Hodson, the Recorder at Newcastle Crown Court, said certain issues needed to be resolved as they would affect the minimum term the court could set.
Lee Phipps was in Cleadon Hills to photograph a recent snowfallLee Phipps was in Cleadon Hills to photograph a recent snowfall
The hearing was due to be heard on Wednesday, but was adjouned for the preparation of background reports.The hearing was due to be heard on Wednesday, but was adjouned for the preparation of background reports.
Mr Phipps was attacked as he walked down a footpath on his way to take photographs of the snow-covered hills of Cleadon.Mr Phipps was attacked as he walked down a footpath on his way to take photographs of the snow-covered hills of Cleadon.
He fought back, but was stabbed several times in the chest.He fought back, but was stabbed several times in the chest.
Nichols pleaded guilty on the basis that he only used the knife to escape as Mr Phipps tried to apprehend him.Nichols pleaded guilty on the basis that he only used the knife to escape as Mr Phipps tried to apprehend him.
He claimed the knife was not used during the robbery.He claimed the knife was not used during the robbery.
The defendant insists he did not intend to kill him but instead cause serious harm.The defendant insists he did not intend to kill him but instead cause serious harm.