A man has appeared in court and admitted causing the death of his friend.

Michael Burlinson, 28, yesterday pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 30-year-old Keith Warrener, who was found with head injuries at a house in Brandling Street, Roker, Sunderland.

Burlinson was charged with his murder but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his guilty plea to manslaughter.

Prosecutor John Evans told Newcastle Crown Court how the pair had been friends, and despite the fact that the friendship was not as strong as it once had been, they still were "very much in each other company" during the time leading up to the death.

Burlinson, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on July 20 and a burglary which occurred on the same night.

Defence barrister Roger Thorn said Burlinson accepted inflicting the fatal blow with his fist but did not intend to kill his friend.

Sentence was adjourned until Tuesday.