Man in dock over death

A MAN has admitted killing a teenager, but still faces standing trial accused of murder.

Brian McHale, 20, is accused of murdering Dale Bennett, 17, of Lawfield Road, Mayfield, Dalkeith, on February 12 this year at Newbyres Crescent, Gorebridge, in Midlothian.

At a preliminary hearing in the case at the High Court in Edinburgh before Lord Bannatyne yesterday, McHale pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of culpable homicide, but it was not accepted by the Crown.

McHale also denied committing a breach of the peace at Newbyres Crescent on February 12 and a further charge of assaulting Aaron Pearson while acting along with others on February 6 in Gorebridge.

A further pre-trial hearing is expected to take place next month.