A 21-YEAR-0LD man has admitted the manslaughter of an 87-year-old pensioner who died two weeks after his home was burgled.

Graham Holden, of Countess Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful killing of James Allen on October 31, 2003, when he appeared at Preston Crown Court yesterday.

He also pleaded guilty to the burglary of Mr Allen's home in Cobham Road, Accrington, on October 15, 2003, when he stole £30 in cash.

He had previously denied both charges.

A second man has pleaded not guilty to two similar charges.

Mr Allen, who lived alone, died two weeks after falling to the ground and being injured in the burglary.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with a broken thigh and suffering from shock but his condition deteriorated.

A jury was sworn in at Preston Crown Court yesterday ahead of the trial today of a second man, Paul Dwyer, who was charged with the same offences.

Dwyer, 43, also of Countess Street, pleaded not guilty to charges of burglary at Mr Allen's house and to the unlawful killing of the pensioner.

The case was adjourned to allow, Howard Bentham QC, prosecuting, more time to look at the evidence.

Dwyer was due to return to court this morning for his case to be heard before High Court judge Mr Justice Leveson and a jury of five women and seven men at the Sessions House in Preston.

He will be represented by defence barrister Richard Pratt.