Man pleads guilty to woman's murder

Laura Robson, 37, was killed in July in Gateshead

A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a woman.

Laura Robson, 37, died shortly after being found by emergency services at a house in Appledore Close, Gateshead, on 22 July.

Ben Hughes, 38, of Appledore Close, admitted murder when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court earlier.

He was remanded in custody at HMP Durham and is due to be sentenced on 10 January.

Ben Hughes appeared before a judge on Wednesday

Recorder Paul Sloan said there was "only one" sentence for murder, namely "imprisonment for life".

He said he would have to decide the minimum term Hughes must serve before he "could even be considered for release", which he would do after analysing all the "relevant information".

Ms Robson's mother, Jill Evans, previously said words could "not describe" the pain caused by her daughter's death.

She described her as a "shining light" and a "very kind lass", adding: "We will always love you Laura."