A father-of-two has admitted the Christmas killing of his older brother following an argument.

Carl Eldred had originally been charged with murdering 36-year-old brother Lee on December 28.

But today Carl, 33, a boss of a panel beating firm, appeared before Judge Adele Williams at Maidstone Crown Court.

He appeared close to tears as he pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter.

Prosecutor Richard Barraclough QC said after discussions at the very senior level the CPS would not press for a trial on the more serious charge.

Judge Williams ordered the murder charge to be left on the file and Eldred, dressed in a grey sweater, was remanded into custody.

Carl, of Little Footway, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells will now be sentenced in May when a letter from the mother is expected to be read in full to the judge.

Lee, from Tonbridge, died from a traumatic blow to the side of the head after the brothers argued in a taxi mini-bus on the A26 near Hadlow Manor Hotel.

Kent Police and the ambulance service were called to the Hadlow Road shortly after 10.30pm three days after Christmas.

When they arrived, Lee was declared dead and Eldred was arrested at the scene.