In what began as a school playground incident and ended with a 13-year old boy losing his life, the charge of manslaughter was admitted, despite a previous denial.

Back in February, Francis McDermott (20) of Camphill Park denied killing schoolboy Oisin McGrath who sustained an injury during an incident at St Michael’s College, Enniskillen, on February 9 2015.

At that point, the case was adjourned on a number of occasions, whilst the McDermott’s defence sought and obtained expert medical reports.

However, the case returned this morning and defence requested McDermott be re-arraigned.

Standing in the dock wearing a navy suit, white shirt and blue tie, he replied, “Guilty”, when the manslaughter charge was read.

Oisin was rushed to hospital following the incident and placed on life-support, but passed away four days later.

His grieving parents and other family members were seated in the public gallery to hear McDermott plead guilty, and comforted each other during the short hearing.

Seated in another area of court were McDermott’s parents. 

A previous court hearing was told what had occurred had “devastated two families”.

His Honour Judge Stephen Fowler QC acceded to a defence application to release McDermott, who was aged 17 at the time of the incident, on continuing bail of £500.

He directed pre-sentence reports are prepared and requested victim impact statements be obtained from Oisin’s parents.

Sentencing is to take place on November 24th.