A MAN is due to be sentenced for manslaughter following a fatal attack in a Midland village pub.

Joshua Davis pleaded guilty to killing John Parkinson, aged 50, at the Red Lion Pub, in Alvechurch, at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, police said.

The 20-year-old, of Marden Grove, West Heath, Birmingham, had originally been charged with murder.

But West Mercia Police said his plea of manslaughter was accepted and that he is due to be sentenced at the court next month.

The Birmingham Mail previously reported that Mr Parkinson died in hospital following the incident at the popular pub on the night of Saturday, January 15.

Police investigating Mr Parkinson’s death arrested two other men and a woman, all in their 20s, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with the incident previously.

A further woman arrested was on suspicion of assisting an offender. They are currently on police bail.

Police and paramedics were called to the pub at 10.39pm on the night of the incident after reports of an assault.

The victim was taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, where he died.

Mr Parkinson’s family spoke of their shock at his death.

They said in a statement: “We are in deep shock over the loss of a much-loved brother and son.

“He was a genuinely kind person. We would be grateful if we could be given time and space to grieve in peace.”

A West Mercia Police spokeswoman said: “Joshua Christopher Davis has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of John Parkinson.

“He is due to be sentenced for that offence at Worcester Crown Court in May.”

Tracie Andrews, who was convicted of the brutal road-rage killing of her partner Lee Harvey in 1996, is a former Red Lion barmaid.