Man admits to Heysham murder
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
A man has admitted to murdering Keith Thompson in Heysham.
We launched a murder investigation after 49-year-old Keith (pictured below right) was assaulted off Heysham Road, near to the Bay Medical Centre, in Heysham in the early hours of Saturday 28th September 2024.
Emergency services attended the scene and Mr Thompson was taken to hospital, but he sadly died.
A postmortem examination established the cause of Keith’s death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Leigh Smith (pictured below left), 39, of Binyon Court, Lancaster, was arrested and later charged with Keith’s murder.
Today (Wednesday 2nd April), on the seventh day of his trial, Smith pleaded guilty to murder at Preston Crown Court.
He was remand
ed back into custody to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Monday 7th April 2025.
Our thoughts remain with Keith’s family who continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
DCI John McNamara, of our Force Major Investigation Team said: “Smith carried out a cowardly attack on a vulnerable man, which cost Keith his life.
“My thoughts remain with Keith’s family and loved ones at this incredibly distressing time. Smith put them through the worry of a trial, before only admitting his guilt seven days later.
"I welcome the guilty plea, and hope that Smith finally admitting his wrongdoing begins to give Keith’s loved ones some closure.”
