Son admits killing Fiona Fisher in Crowborough

Fiona Fisher was found dead at her home in April

A man has admitted killing his mother who was found stabbed to death at her home.

Fiona Fisher, 51, was found dead at her home in Lordswell Lane, Crowborough, East Sussex, when police were called to check on her welfare.

Thomas Fisher, 22, of no fixed abode, denied murder but admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court.

Prosecutors accepted Fisher's plea and he will be sentenced on 1 November.

A murder trial was due to start on Monday but was adjourned until Fisher appeared to enter the manslaughter plea.

He admitted killing Ms Fisher, who died from a single stab wound to the chest, at some point between 25 and 27 April.

Fisher remained emotionless throughout the hearing, appearing with a custody officer and three psychiatric nurses by his side.

Relatives sat behind him in the public gallery as he spoke to confirm his name and enter his pleas.

Matthew Jewell QC, prosecuting, revealed Fisher had kept a diary which has been studied by two psychiatrists.

He said both agreed it offered "significant insight into his state of mind leading up to the events".

Fisher also admitted fraudulently using his mother's Marks & Spencer credit card and driving while disqualified.

Police visited Ms Fisher's house after a request for a welfare check

Paying tribute shortly after Ms Fisher's death, her family said: "There are no words to explain the love those around her felt for her. She is irreplaceable."

A statement released on their behalf by police said: "Fiona will be sadly missed by her daughter Megan, her mother Dorothy and stepfather Les, as well as her father."