N.J. Killer of British Reality Hunk Lavern Paul Ritch Claims Self-Defense

MAYS LANDING, New Jersey (CBS/AP) A New Jersey man has admitted that he killed one of Britain's most eligible bachelors, Lavern Paul Ritch, but claims it was self-defense.

Robert Davies said at trial Wednesday that he mistook Ritch for part of a gang of Mexicans bent on harming or killing him when he lashed out with a pocket knife, piercing Ritch's heart.

The killing occurred Aug. 12, 2007, while Ritch was vacationing in the U.S. and he went to the Jersey shore in Margate, a few miles from Atlantic City.

Prosecutors say Ritch was actually intervening in a fight between Davies and a man who had punched him in the face moments earlier, thinking he was helping Davies.

Davies says Ritch ran up to him from behind and surprised him, causing him to lash out with the knife.

A contestant on a British reality TV show, Ritch was judged to be among England's most eligible bachelors.