Designer admits killing 88-year-old woman in her Ryedale village home

An architectural designer has admitted killing an 88-year-old woman in an affluent Ryedale village.

Shahin Darvish-Narenjbon, 34, was due to face trial today for the alleged murder of Brenda Blainey in Thornton-le-Dale, near Pickering.

But he admitted an alternative charge of manslaughter at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, 9 December.

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His plea was accepted by the prosecution and the murder charge was dropped.

Ms Blainey died at her home, The Grove in High Street, on 5 January.

Darvish-Narenjbon, from Leeds, was arrested and initially charged with murder but will now be sentenced in January next year for the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Narenjbon, of Tinshill Lane, Cookridge, will be sentenced on 30 January at the same court.