A MAN who killed a much loved grandfather has been warned he faces jail after pleading guilty to causing the fatal shooting.
Jamie Hellings has pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court today for manslaughter following the death of Christopher Kay in August in Carlin How.
His family has paid tribute to Mr Kay after Hellings entered his plea at a short hearing this morning.
They said: "Nearly ten weeks ago our dearly loved Dad was killed, and the ability to see him smile, speak with him and spend time with him was taken away from us.
"Our Dad will also not have the ability to do the things he enjoyed, see the family that he loved, or have a beer with friends.
"No sentence imposed by the courts would ever be able to bring our Dad back, however, as a result of the dedicated, professional and thorough work carried out by those working on the case, today’s guilty plea is welcomed.
"Our Dad wouldn’t want us to dwell on what has happened, but it would be wrong not to comment on the events that led us here.
"Through a mindless, and senseless act, our family is now without a father, a grandfather, a brother and an uncle.
"To be taken away from us at 58 years old is no age, but in those 58 years Dad lived a full life. From travelling to Canada to sing with a choir, joining the TA, to following his passion for motorsport and being involved in rallycross and his love of fishing.
"With that, we also have memories that cannot be taken away which will keep Dad very much alive in our thoughts and hearts."
Mr Kay sustained serious chest injuries following a suspected shooting on Brotton Road, Carlin How, east Cleveland, in August.
The exact details of what happened have not been reported in open court but Hellings, 32 of Coronation Road, Loftus, has been warned he is facing custody when he is sentenced next month.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dimelow said: “The reckless behaviour of Jamie Hellings in August resulted in the tragic death of Christopher Kay.
“Today, Hellings has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. His mindless actions have had a devastating and life-changing impact on Christopher’s much loved relatives and friends.
“Being in the possession of a firearm in a public place is a huge risk in itself, but to have a loaded and dangerous weapon in close vicinity to others is beyond belief, and as we have seen here, this resulted in Christopher’s life being cruelly and prematurely taken away.
“Although no sentence will ever bring Chris back to his family, I hope that the conclusion will hopefully provide his family with some level of comfort; knowing that he is reflecting on his crime behind bars.”
Judge Stephen Ashurst remanded Hellings in custody until he is sentenced for the manslaughter of Mr Kay and possession of a firearm on Friday, November 27.
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