A MAN has admitted his part in a murder in which the victim was tied up, beaten and stabbed repeatedly.

Michael Peart appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to the murder of 36-year-old Keith Philpott, from Billingham, between March 21 and 25.

Mr Philpott, who had learning difficulties, suffered head, facial and abdominal injuries after he was subjected to a prolonged attack, possibly over a number of hours.

Tim Roberts, for 22-year-old Peart, of Eamont Road, Norton, near Stockton, said his client was pleading guilty on the basis that he was a secondary party to the murder.

Co-accused Sean Swindon, 24, of no fixed address, denies the same charge.

Mr Philpott's body was found by police in his ground floor flat in Axbridge Court, High Grange, Billingham.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, told Peart he would be sentenced at the conclusion of proceedings involving his co-defendant.

The case will be listed again on Friday, July 29, ahead of proceedings involving Mr Swindon.

Both men were remanded in custody.