Published: 3 May 2013

A PARTIALLY-blind man known as 'Professor Whitestick' was battered to death by a teenager who was wanted for a murder in Germany, the Old Bailey heard.

Douglas Hutchinson, 60, was attacked as he returned home to Goldhurst Terrace, West Hampstead on November 29 last year.

He was found unconscious on his doorstep and died in hospital of severe head injuries two weeks later.

Tim Sommer, 18, had travelled to the UK from his home in Germany after allegedly killing his neighbour in Darmstadt on November 11.
The 'neighbour' had also been hit over the head during that attack.

Sommer appeared at the Old Bailey today (Friday) by video link from Broadmoor Hospital to plead guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Hutchinson on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to his mental illness.

The prosecution accepted the plea after considering the psychiatric reports in the case.

Judge Brian Barker QC, the Recorder of London, said he would sentence Sommer on May 28. On that date the prosecutor Ed Brown QC will open the facts of the case.

The court heard Sommer may then be transferred to Germany to await trial for the other killing.

Mr Brown said: "The authorities consider that they have significant and solid evidence to prosecute the defendant for murder."

Mr Hutchinson was well known in the local community for his arts blog under the name 'Professor Whitestick'.