Man admits to murdering woman and hiding her body

Annette Smith was last seen in November wearing a white and black striped cardigan and red leather slip-on shoes and was carrying a suitcase

A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a 74-year-old woman and hiding her body in a storage locker.

Scott Paterson, 44, from Hardy Way in Fairfield Park, Bedfordshire, was arrested on suspicion of murdering Annette Smith, from Fairfield Hall, near Stotfold, Bedfordshire.

Patterson admitted to killing Ms Smith, who he lodged with, dismembering her and hiding the remains in a storage unit in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

At Luton Crown Court Paterson pleaded guilty, his sentencing has been set for the week commencing 4 November.

Patterson sent Christmas messages and Moonpig cards to Ms Smith's family and friends to pretend that she was still alive

Paterson appeared via video link from Bedford Prison at Luton Crown Court, speaking only to confirm his name and his guilty plea.

Ms Smith allegedly went missing from her home last November, even though she had become bed-bound by illness.

Paterson told their neighbours she had gone to stay with a friend.

Police said he also used her email account to send Christmas messages and Moonpig cards to family and friends to pretend that she was still alive.

Paterson even reported to police that she had left their home with an unknown woman in an attempt to cover up his crime.

Bedfordshire Police said her remains were later found at a storage unit in Letchworth, which belonged to Paterson.

Paterson said Ms Smith had left her home, even though she had become bed-bound by illness

Det Ch Insp Katie Dounias, said: “Annette’s death is tragic, and deeply saddening. Our thoughts remain with her loved ones.

“Paterson’s actions to conceal his horrific crime and later mislead Annette’s family and friends with a false sense of assurance, reveals the nature of a very cold and calculated individual who has no place in our community.

“Uncovering Annette’s death has required the finest level of police work, and I would like to commend the Major Crime Unit and supporting teams on their meticulous efforts over the last five months."