A MAN has admitted killing former footballer Scott Hendy.
Avon & Somerset police said George Baylis (above) punched the 46-year-old ex-Mangotsfield United, Clevedon Town, Bath City and Yate Town player in the car park of the Kings Arms pub, off Redwick Road, Pilning, in the early hours of March 2.
Scott, a father of three children, died the following day of a head injury, in Southmead Hospital.
Baylis, aged 30, of Redwick Road in Pilning, has pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter and will be sentenced next month.
He has been remanded in custody until the hearing on May 29.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond, of the police Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This incident has had truly tragic consequences and our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to Scott’s family.
“We have updated them of today’s guilty plea and specially trained officers will continue to offer them support.”
Last month around 900 people remembered Scott, who was living in Pilning when he was killed, at a charity match at Mangotsfield United’s Cossham Street ground.
The former central defender, who made almost 400 appearances for the club, had been due to play in the match on March 17 but after his death it was transformed into a memorial event, raising more than £5,000 to support his family.
After Scott’s death the club’s board and committee issued a statement describing the “devastation” of everyone involved with the club.
‘More than just a great player, he was a great person’ – club statement
They said: “Scott was someone who was held in very high regard within the club and his loss is felt by all who knew him and enjoyed watching him play.
“More than just a great player, he was a great person and was well thought of by fans, managers and teammates alike.
“Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are all with Scott’s family at this difficult time.”
Scott’s friend and former team-mate Geraint Bater, who played alongside him at both Mangotsfield and Clevedon Town, organised a Gofundme donation page to support his family, which has raised more than £16,200 to date.
It can be found online at tinyurl.com/36b6mpaa.
Geraint said: “Scott was loved by everyone who met him; he was funny, genuine and the life and soul of any party.
“His sense of humour was legendary and his loss will be felt from all over Bristol, such was the reach of his infectious personality.
“I know the word legend is banded around a bit, but he comes firmly into that category.”