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| Anuj Bidve was shot in the head at point blank range on Boxing Day |
A factory worker today admitted shooting dead an Indian student who was on his way to the Boxing Day sales.
Kiaran Stapleton, 21, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Anuj Bidve, 23, on the grounds he was mentally impaired at the time.
But his defence was not accepted by prosecutors and he will face a murder trial later this month.
Speaking at Stapleton’s 20-minute appearance in court today, Judge Mr Justice Henriques said: “The defendant has admitted the killing and the trial will be whether he was of diminished responsibility.
“It is plainly now within public knowledge this was a shooting at very close range of a complete stranger.”
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| Only son: Anuj Bidve with his sister Neha |
Postgraduate Anuj arrived in the UK from his home town of Pune in India last September to study micro-electronics at Lancaster University.
He was killed while on a Christmas break and shopping trip to Manchester when he walked with friends through the Ordsall area of Salford early on December 26.
His parents Subhash and Yogini flew in from India for todday’s hearing.
They were led into Manchester crown court by police but were seated out of the way of Stapleton’s view.
After the case, the couple said: “It was very important to us to hear, in person, Kiaran Stapleton’s plea.
“This is the first time we have returned to the UK since Anuj was taken away from us and the first time we have come face to face with the man charged with his murder.
“So clearly this is a very emotional and difficult time for us.”
Stapleton, of Ordsall, was remanded in custody until his trial on June 25.
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