Teenager who battered blind professor on West Hampstead doorstep wanted for killing days earlier
Douglas Hutchison, who wrote under the name Professor Whitestick, was battered on his doorstep in West Hampstead - Credit: Archant
A teenager who battered a partially-sighted man to death on his doorstep in West Hampstead was wanted in Germany for another killing days earlier, a court heard today.
Tim Sommer, 18, attacked Douglas Hutchison, 60, in the street in West Hampstead on November 29 last year.
Mr Hutchison, who was virtually blind and walked with the aid of a stick, was found unconscious near his home in Goldhurst Terrace.
The academic, who wrote under the name Professor Whitestick, suffered severe head injuries and died in hospital on December 13.
Sommer, a German national, had come to the UK days earlier while being sought by police in his homeland for an earlier killing.
He is wanted in connection with the killing of Fatma Bezohra on November 11. The victim in the earlier attack was also struck over the head.
Sommer was originally charged with the murder of Mr Hutchison but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter at the Old Bailey.
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Appearing via videolink from Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, he spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea during a brief hearing.
He will be sentenced on May 28.
Sommer may serve his sentence in a German jail while awaiting trial for the earlier killing.
A European Arrest Warrant has already been served by the German authorities.
Prosecutor Ed Brown QC said: “The investigative process is well developed in Germany.
“The authorities consider that they have significant and solid evidence to prosecute the defendant for murder there.”
The Recorder of London, Judge Brian Barker QC, said: “Clearly in such an unusual and sad situation it is necessary for these matters to be carefully examined.”
Sommer, of no fixed address, denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
