Murderer Paul Beddoes admits stabbing partner to death at Telford home
Lynn McNally died after being stabbed up to 17 times in February.
A man has admitted stabbing his partner to death at their Telford home.
Paul Beddoes, aged 45, killed Lynn McNally at the home they shared in Mullinder Drive, Ketley Bank, between February 19 and 21 this year.
Ms McNally, 46, died of multiple knife wounds after being stabbed up to 17 times.
Beddoes at first pleaded not guilty to murder on the basis of his diminished responsibility due to having a history of mental illness.
He was due to stand trial at Stafford Crown Court but changed his plea to guilty ahead of the start of this afternoon's hearing.
Judge Michael Chambers QC addressed awaiting jurors afterwards, informing them that no trial would now take place.
He said: "In this present case, this morning the defendant asked for the charge to be put again and has now pleaded guilty to the matters, which means there is no case being tried.
"This is a serious and tragic case as are all cases of murder.
"It is about the death of his former partner whom he killed by stabbing her some 17 times.
"The defendant has a history of mental illness and his defence was going to rely on the defence of diminished responsibility, which may have reduced the charge from murder to manslaughter.
"In order for that to happen depends on the expert evidence of psychiatrists.
"In this case the position is that the prosecution's psychiatrist was maintaining that there was no defence available and what had happened was the violent conclusion of taking drugs, albeit that he had a history of mental health.
"The defence is saying that this was because of diminished responsibility in exceptional circumstances and to some extent the defence changed its position, asking for the charge to be put again and the defendant pleaded guilty."
He thanked the jurors, who were not sworn in, for their patience.
Following the hearing Detective Constable Chris Henry, of Telford's major investigation unit, who led the inquiry into Miss McNally's death, said: "This was a challenging investigation involving more than 20 officers and staff at the unit working on this case.
"I would like to thank Miss McNally's family for their support during this investigation. They have obviously had a very difficult time."
Beddoes, who has been remanded in custody, will be be sentenced on Thursday.
