KILLER Daniel Oxley has today admitted stabbing Michael Outhwaite to death while robbing him.

The 22-year-old, from Murton, County Durham, pleaded guilty to the murder of Mr Outhwaite, whose body was found at a field at Willington, near Crook.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Oxley took a knife from the hostel he was staying with the intention of robbing the 42-year-old, from Sunderland, on September 11.

Oxley appeared in court via videolink to enter his plea.

Tim Roberts QC, who represented him, said: “He accepts that he took a knife with him from the hostel from where he was staying.

“He went to the scene of the crime with the deceased where he embarked on a robbery of the deceased.

“During the course of the robbery he unlawfully took the life of the deceased.

“He has always admitted the offence of murder and indicated it from the first appearance at crown court.”

The launch of murder inquiry came as a shock to residents in the close knit community of Willington.

Police made the grisly discovery behind the High Street in the early hours of Friday, September 12 and an area around Cumberland Terrace was cordoned off for forensic examination.

Officers carried out door-to-door enquires and as the grim details of the case emerged many in the quiet country town were left stunned.

Oxley was arrested by detectives and quizzed at Peterlee Police Station before he was formally charged.

The 22-year-old is now facing a life term of imprisonment.

Judge Paul Sloane QC remanded him into custody and adjourned proceeding until January 5 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

The judge said: “You must understand, there is only one sentence that can be imposed in respect of the offence of murder and that is a sentence of life imprisonment.

“However, the court is bound to indicate the minimum period you must serve before you could even be considered for release.”