Man admits to murdering Shrewsbury busker Ben Bebbington by old canal footpath
A 21-year-old man has admitted murdering a busker from Shropshire when he appeared in court. Stewart Kevin Doran pleaded guilty to killing Ben Bebbington, of Shrewsbury.
Doran appeared at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday.
Mr Bebbington, 43, of Beaufort Green, Harlescott, was discovered unconscious with serious head injuries on the old canal footpath between Ditherington Road and Telford Way, Shrewsbury, just before 1am on September 7.
He was rushed to hospital but died later that morning without regaining consciousness.
Doran, 21, of Bainbridge Green, Harlescott, pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of perverting the course of justice by hiding clothes and footwear.
That charge was allowed to lie on the file after a request by prosecuting counsel Mr Phillip Beardwell.
Sentencing was adjourned and Doran was remanded in custody.
Mr Bebbington was a musician and poet who was regularly seen playing music and singing on the streets of Shrewsbury with his dog.
After his death more than 100 people joined a Facebook group set up in tribute to the popular busker to pay their respects.
Tim Compton, manager of Shrewsbury Ark, said Mr Bebbington always had 'a smile and a friendly word' .
