Teenager LeSean Williams admits killing his neighbour Andrew Gardner in Birmingham

A teenager has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his neighbour on the Birmingham street where they both lived after a row broke last year.

LeSean Williams, 19, stabbed Andrew Gardner on Alexandra Road in Handsworth after he confronted Williams over derogatory comments he had made to his friend on September 18, 2021.

The friend was living with Andrew and had complained that Williams had made fun of a facial disfigurement causing him to be distressed. Andrew confronted Williams and, as both were in possession of knives, sadly Andrew received a fatal chest wound. Williams fled on an electric scooter and Andrew collapsed as he returned home. The 41-year-old died in hospital a short time later.

Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood, from West Midlands Police homicide unit, said: “This is a terribly sad case where a man has lost his life defending his friend. His family had described him as ‘caring’ and told us at the time of his death: “His passing will leave a big hole in our lives, but he will be forever in our hearts.”

Williams pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday (20 March) and will be sentenced on 19 May.