SIMON ALEXANDER BENNETT
A man has today pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the death of Elliot Handley in Dorchester last year.
Simon Alexander Bennett, 44 and of Dorchester, admitted the charge of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at a hearing held at Winchester Crown Court today, (21 March 2016).
The court heard that Elliot’s body was discovered in Bennett’s first floor flat in Compass House in The Grove at around 9.50pm on Tuesday 26 May 2015.
An investigation was launched by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).
Bennett was arrested on the same day on suspicion of Elliot’s murder following the discovery of his body. He was charged with Elliot’s murder on 6 September 2015.
A post mortem examination revealed that Elliot died of multiple blunt force head injuries.
The scene was forensically examined over three days and a number of items were seized that are believed to have been used in the attack, including a claw hammer, a heavy metallic object and a bottle.
Simon Bennett is due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on a date yet to be fixed.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s MCIT, said: “Our thoughts today are with Elliot’s family who are being supported by family liaison officers.
“I hope today’s plea brings some closure for them.
“They have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”
