A MAN has admitted killing a "selfless" grandfather who was helping a homeless woman.

Sean Lucas, 24, of Burnside Avenue, Chingford, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 64-year-old Clifford Champion at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Before the attack, Mr Champion had visited a service station in Chingford Mount Road in February this year to buy cigarettes and started talking to a woman who was begging.

The father-of-three was trying to help the woman when he was approached by Lucas, who became aggressive and followed Mr Champion to Westward Road.

He then punched Mr Champion to the ground with a single blow and ran off.

The grandfather hit his head as he fell backwards and was later found lying in a pool of blood at 3.30am.

He suffered a heart attack while being treated by paramedics in the street and died three days later.

Investigating officer DI Robert Pack of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: "Clifford Champion was a good man, a loving dad and a devoted grandfather.

On the night of his death, he was trying to help someone and this was typical of his generous and selfless nature.

"By a cruel twist of fate, his path crossed with Sean Lucas at Chingford Mount filling station. Lucas took issue with Mr Champion and launched a determined attack.

"This was a cowardly and senseless attack which has devastated Mr Champion's family, and our thoughts and sympathies are with them today."

Lucas had previously entered a plea of not-guilty to murder and today the prosecution accepted a plea of guilty to manslaughter.

CPS London lawyer Janice Quayle said: “Sean Lucas has admitted getting into an argument with the victim, losing his temper and punching the victim once.

“He accepted that he was not acting in self defence at the time but stated that he did not intend to either kill or to cause grievous bodily harm. As such he offered a guilty plea to manslaughter.

“Following careful consideration and a thorough review of all the evidence the Crown Prosecution Service took the decision to accept that plea.”

Lucas will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on September 14 after a pre-sentencing report has been prepared.