A SUSPECT in a murder case today pleaded guilty to killing a 35-year-old man at a block of flats.

Mark Pearson, 27, admitted murdering Richard Petty when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

A co-accused, Joseph Tingle, 23, denied the same charge as he stood alongside Pearson in the dock.

Mr Tingle, of St James' House, Stockton, will stand trial at the court on August 20, in a case expected to last at least five days.

Pearson, of High Street, Redcar, east Cleveland, will be sentenced at the end of Mr Tingle's trial.

Yesterday, he was told by the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, QC: "You must know that there is but one sentence that will be passed."

Mr Petty was found dead from multiple stab wounds in a block of flats where he lived in Melsonby Court, Billingham, on Sunday March 25.