A devoted father was killed by being hit over the head with a piece of wood, police have confirmed.

Stephen Harrington died two days after he was found with a serious head injury on land along Marlpit Lane, Emsworth on July 23.

A police investigation determined Mr Harrington died as a result of a severe blow to the head, believed to have been caused by a piece of wood.

Thomas Goldring, Joseph Butler, and Tarin Linfield were charged with his murder.

Goldring, 21, died in December 2022.

As a result, any statements provided by him as part of the investigation could no longer be used as evidence in court, Sussex Police said.

At Lewes Crown Court on Monday, Linfield, 21, of Common Road, Hambrook, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to a charge of manslaughter and conspiracy to steal. This was accepted by the court.

Butler, 23, of Priors Leaze Lane, Hambrook, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to a charge of conspiracy to steal. This was accepted by the court.

Linfield and Butler have been remanded in custody for sentencing on March 3, 2023.

It was the prosecution’s case that the suspects attended Marlpit Lane that night to steal from Stephen. 

The Argus: Stephen Harrington died two days after he was found with a serious head injuryStephen Harrington died two days after he was found with a serious head injury (Image: Sussex Police)

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Hicks, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This is a tragic case that has resulted in the sudden and heart-breaking death of a completely innocent and much-loved family man.

“From the outset, we’ve had to rely on the defendants’ accounts to try and piece together the events of that night. Unfortunately, only those who were there will ever know exactly what happened.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Stephen’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, and I hope this conviction of manslaughter will bring them some sense of closure.”

In a tribute released through Sussex Police, Stephen's family described him as "hardworking, devoted and fiercely loyal".

"Stephen, our son, brother, husband, father, nephew, uncle, and dear friend, was taken from us in a cruel and brutal way," they said.

"His death has left us all devastated and heartbroken, with a hole in our lives that can never be filled.

"Stephen was a loving, doting father that prized every moment he spent with his daughter.

"He was hardworking and a devoted husband to his wife.

"Stephen’s love for his mother and sisters was unwavering and clear for all to see.

"He loved and is loved by all his nieces, nephews, and aunties, who will always miss Uncle Steve.

"He was a fiercely loyal and fun friend. If you ever needed him for anything, all you had to do was ask and he would be there.

"We are all going to have to learn to live with never seeing his smile, hearing his laugh, or just spending time with him again."