A Tottenham man who took part in a vicious killing following a row over a game of pool has been jailed for life.

Lee Roberts, 27, of Penhurst Road, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Martin Higgins on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The 40-year-old victim from White Hart Lane was found dead inside a block of flats in nearby Somerset Gardens on March 4 last year.

He had been subjected to a sustained and prolonged attack, first in an alleyway and later in the building, where he was kicked in the head and body.

An attempt had also been made to set fire to his body.

The Old Bailey heard Roberts and Mr Higgins, along with friends, had been playing pool in the Whitehall Tavern pub in Tottenham High Road earlier that evening.

Prosecutor David Walters told the court a row broke out between the pair as they played pool.

The rights and wrongs do not matter very much, he said. But it ended with Roberts having words with Higgins, then pulling a face behind Higgins back and calling him names.

It was the sort of incident which perhaps happens frequently in public houses and is soon forgotten.

But Mr Walters added the row had resurrected a similar pool table dispute between the pair in December, which he said had not been forgotten by Roberts.

The jury was then told Roberts went to his home with Brian Mulroy and Perry Brookes, who later became a key witness.

Roberts was overheard to say: That Higgins geezer started again....Higgins opened his mouth again.

Later following more drinking he was heard to say; I fancy going to see that geezer again.

Shortly afterwards, in the early hours, Mr Higgins was attacked.

A post mortem revealed he suffered massive head and brain injuries.

Defence counsel Alan Newman QC said Roberts had an inability to control his emotional response to situations.

A lack of anger management control and alcoholism were also problems, he added.

Mr Newman said Roberts had accepted his responsibility for the killing and wanted to plead guilty to murder.

Legal experts advised him to admit to the lesser charge simply because there were matters to consider, namely diminished responsibility, according to Mr Newman.

Passing sentence Judge Alexander Hutchinson said he was concerned that Roberts was a ticking time bomb.

He told Roberts he had to pass an indefinite life sentence but specified a minimum six-year term.

After six years the Parole Board have to consider your position, said Judge Hutchinson. If indeed you have improved it may well be that it is able to let you go on licence. That is a matter for it, not you.

Roberts also admitted a charge of affray where he threatened party goers with a meat cleaver in 1996.He received no further penalty for that offence.

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