A MAN faces life in prison after admitting the murder of a man whose body was found in a wheelie bin.

Paul Watkins, 36, of Northbourne Street, Deckham, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court this morning.

He pleaded guilty to killing Craig Eade, who was 23, from the Felling area of Gateshead, between February 25 and March 1.

Mr Eade was found dead in a bin in the back lane of Northbourne Street, Deckham, Gateshead.

Judge Paul Sloan QC told Watkins, who appeared via video link from HMP Durham, that he would be produced in court in person for sentence.

The judge said: "You'll be aware there is only one sentence the court the court can impose and that is a sentence of life imprisonment.

"It will be necessary for me to determine the minimum term you must serve before you can even be considered for parole.

"Until you are sentenced you'll be remanded in custody."

A pre-sentence report will be prepared ahead of his sentencing on Friday, May 19.