Megan Newborough death: Man admits killing 23-year-old in Leicestershire but denies murder

A 29-year-old man has admitted the manslaughter of Megan Newborough whose body was found in a country lane in Leicestershire, but denied her murder.

Ross McCullam will now face trial next year at Leicester Crown Court accused of the murder of Ms Newborough, who was discovered in Charley Road, near Woodhouse Eaves, in the early hours of Sunday August 8.

Ms Newborough, 23, from Nuneaton, had been reported missing to Warwickshire Police on August 7.

Wearing a black T-shirt, McCullam appeared via a video-link from HMP Leicester to the city’s Crown Court on Friday.

He spoke only to confirm his plea of not guilty to a charge alleging he murdered Ms Newborough on August 6, and to state that he could hear the judge.

Adjourning the case until a trial, which is expected to last for three weeks, Judge Timothy Spencer QC told McCullam: "Through your plea this morning you have admitted a very serious matter and a very serous offence.

"The prosecution do not accept that the case is a manslaughter case.

"They say it’s a murder case – the jury will have to decide and your trial will take place on March 7th."

The defendant, of Windsor Close, Coalville, Leicestershire, was remanded in custody.

In a statement issued shortly after her death, Ms Newborough’s family said: "There are no words to describe how much we as a family are completely heartbroken and devastated.

"Megan was the most generous, loving and caring person and we have been robbed of our treasured daughter."