Sabina Nessa: Man accepts responsibility for teacher's killing

A man has accepted responsibility for the killing of primary school teacher Sabina Nessa.

Ms Nessa, 28, was found dead in Cator Park, Kidbrooke in south-east London on 18 September, a day after she left her home to meet a friend at a nearby bar.

Appearing at the Old Bailey, Koci Selamaj, 36, of Terminus Road, Eastbourne, pleaded not guilty to her murder.

However, the court heard he accepted responsibility for her killing.

Prosecutors previously told the court that garage worker Selamaj had travelled from his home in Eastbourne to carry out the "premeditated and predatory" attack on 17 September.

Ms Nessa, who taught a year one class at Rushey Green Primary School in Catford, was repeatedly struck with a 2ft (0.6m) long weapon, they said.

Her body was discovered covered in grass close to a community centre inside the park.

It is believed that Selamaj was a stranger to Ms Nessa.

Addressing defence barrister Aidan Harvey, senior judge Mr Justice Wall asked: "Is there any dispute your client killed Ms Nessa?"

Mr Harvey replied: "There is not, my Lord. He accepts he killed her."

Assisted by an Albanian interpreter, the defendant spoke only to confirm his identity and enter a not guilty plea.

He was remanded in custody with a further hearing set for 25 February.

A trial of up to five weeks was set for 7 June.