A BOLTON man is facing life imprisonment after confessing to the murder of a man outside a fish and chip shop in Breightmet last July.

Christopher Hardman was attacked in Winchester Way in Breightmet and the 46-year-old later died as a result of his injuries.

Police officers were called to the scene at around 10.20pm and 10 police vehicles were seen attending the area.

And today Christopher Walton appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to murder.

Representing the 24-year-old, defence counsel Richard Littler QC said that the sentencing judge would have to determine whether the crime had been committed in order to steal items.

Walton, of Tonge Moor Road in Bolton, had also faced charges of robbery and possession of a knife but these charges will be left to lie on the file by prosecutors.

Mr Littler said: “There is no basis of plea.

“There are a few witnesses who see and hear the incident.

“The main body of evidence is caught on CCTV which will have to be viewed by the sentencing judge.

“One main issue is whether this was a murder for gain or not.”

Judge Nicholas Dean QC, Recorder of Manchester, said: “I do not know the extent of that issue, it may depend on an interpretation of events.

“I understand the defendant can be seen searching pockets”

Mr Littler replied: “The main issue for the sentencing judge is there is a short argument for both sides.”

Judge Dean said to Walton: “You have pleaded guilty to an offence of murder, you know the sentence will be one of life imprisonment.

“Quite how long you will be required to serve before you can be considered for release on licence is a matter that will have to be given very careful consideration.

“It will have an interpretation of the case to know why you did what you did.

“I have made orders to make sure that issue can be dealt with in a fair way to you.”

The court heard the sentencing hearing will take half a day as the judge will need to determine the nature of the offence.

The interpretation will determine whether the sentence begins with a minimum of 13 years imprisonment or moves up to a starting point of 15, the court heard.

Walton was remanded in custody before his sentence, which will take place in January.