A KILLER is facing life behind bars after he admitted stabbing a dad to death in an alleyway in Clacton town centre.

Darren Gilbert, 22, of Holland Road, Clacton, pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of James Gregoire at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

Police called Gilbert a "dangerous individual" and said he faces a life sentence after his guilty plea.

He is due to be sentenced in three weeks.

Mr Gregoire's son Nathan posted a moving message on his Facebook page, praising his father’s bravery after the tragedy, describing him as “a hero to his whole family”.

Read the full story in the Clacton Gazette.