Sidmouth man pleads guilty to manslaughter of pensioner

A 42-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a pensioner in Sidmouth

Nicholas Jamieson, from Sidmouth, today pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to the manslaughter of Brian Kemp.

He has been sentenced to a hospital order with restrictions.

Mr Jamieson was arrested following the death of Brian Kemp, 71, on 26 September 2014.

Mr Kemp had been assaulted with a weapon at the Blackhorse Hotel in Sidmouth.

Following the sentencing, the senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Gregg Dawe said: “This was a particularly vicious and senseless attack on an innocent, defenceless man.

“The incident was also very distressing for those who were present and witnessed the incident at the time.

“I would like to personally thank all of the members of public who were at the scene and the wider Sidmouth Community for their assistance to both Mr Kemp and the investigation team.

“The investigation team supports with the decision of the prosecution to accept a plea of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, given Mr Jamieson’s state of mind at the time.

“The sentence imposed in this case is appropriate to these circumstances.”

Mr Kemp's family said: “Brian was a quiet, gentle character who kept himself to himself.

“Brian's life was unjustly ended by a violent and unprovoked attack that night which has left our family very saddened.

“We hope that Mr Jamieson’s sentence ensures that he is never given the opportunity to commit this sort of crime again.”

Photo: © Copyright Lewis Clarke and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.