THE mother of a 24-year-old Burnham man who was fatally stabbed has welcomed the news that his killer is to be locked up.

Father-of-two Robert Cox died on August 9 last year after being stabbed by Derek Hancock. The attack happened outside a home for people with mental health issues in Bishopston, Bristol.

Hancock denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility when he appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Justice Teare indicated Hancock would serve a life sentence, with a minimum four years and nine months, consisting of a hybrid order ensuring secure hospital treatment followed by prison detention when appropriate.

The hearing was adjourned without the formal sentencing with Hancock remanded in custody for two months at which time a hospital bed will be available.

But the judge indicated that the 42- year-old would not be released until he no longer posed a risk to the public.

Robert’s mum, Sue Cox, said: “We are satisfied with the verdict.

“We can take something from knowing that he won’t get out unless he is deemed safe to the public but nothing will bring back our son.”

Robert had moved to Bristol after being badly beaten up in Weston and was on the verge of getting back on his feet.

“He wanted to move to a new area after getting beaten up and had just got a place on a business course at Ashley Down College,” said Mrs Cox.

“He was thinking about getting a flat and was enjoying spending time with his two children, Elisha and Alfie.

“I can’t begin to describe how much it has affected them and us in everything we do.”

Mr Cox, who had four brothers and two sisters, was a former pupil at Brent Knoll Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School in Burnham and then went on to King Alfred’s School in Highbridge.

Before moving to Bristol he enrolled on a computing course at Bridgwater College while also working as a care assistant at Burnham Nursing Home.