Step-brother admits killing Becky Watts but denies murder

Nathan Matthews, the step-brother of Becky Watts, has admitted to killing the teen - but denies he ever murdered her.

The 28-year-old confessed responsibility for the teen's death, saying he strangled her, but says there was no intention to kill.

Bristol Crown Court heard Matthews deny murder, but admitted the killing, claiming he acted entirely alone.

But it's a story the prosecution are not prepared to accept. They will pursue their belief Matthews deliberately murdered Becky.

He also admitted perverting the course of justice, preventing the lawful burial of Becky and possessing two stun guns.

His girlfriend Shauna Hoare entered a plea of not guilty to all charges she faces, while Donovan Demetrius and James Ireland also denied assisting an offender.

It was a dramatic start to an anticipated seven-week trial, and a distressing one for the victim's family who arrived en masse at court. Becky's father Darren Galsworthy, and her mother Tanya Watts, were both supported by other members in court.

Each one sporting a baby blue ribbon, and a badge features Becky's face.

Becky Watts was last seen at her family home in the St George area of Bristol on February 19 this year. She was reported missing to police the following day by Darren Galsworthy who later made a tearful TV appeal for her his daughter's safe return.

The concerns of the family and police were growing by the hour. Officers searched a wide area of land surrounding St George including Trooper's Hill, parts of which are cordoned off.

But the hunt isn't only on the ground but online. Social media messages are shared around the world some seven million times.

Closer to home, hundreds of friends, neighbours and complete strangers join Becky's family in a street-by-street appeal, with posters and pleas for help.

For live updates follow our twitter feed direct from our reporters in court.