Man admits murdering young mother

Matthew Robinson was sentenced to 42 days for stealing Ms Bennett's purse

A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a 19-year-old mother whose body was found behind a house.

Matthew John Robinson, 21 and of no fixed address, but formerly from Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, admitted murdering Samantha Bennett.

The body of Ms Bennett, of Tunstall, was found in Blake Street, Burslem, on 19 March. She died from head injuries.

Robinson was originally convicted of stealing her purse. He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on 4 July.

During the investigation, Staffordshire Police said they were aware Ms Bennett had been a sex worker in Stoke-on-Trent.

She was working as a sex worker on the night of her death, a police spokeswoman confirmed.

Police said a "crucial piece of evidence" came to light when a man found a purse, which he thought belonged to Ms Bennett, when he was unblocking a toilet.

Further investigation linked Robinson to the purse and he was charged with theft. On 31 March, magistrates sentenced him to 42 days imprisonment over the theft.

'Living hell'

Police continued with their investigations, which resulted in Robinson being charged with Ms Bennett's murder on 8 April.

Ch Insp Carl Ratcliffe said several people had provided "vital" information to officers and more than 200 statements were taken.

Samantha Bennett died from head injuries

"It was obviously a worrying time for the local residents and we increased patrols, as well as staffing a mobile police station in the area," he added.

Samantha's mother, Angela Bennett, said her life had been a "living hell" since the loss of daughter.

"No mother or family should have to bury their child, especially in such horrific circumstances," she said.

"There are some people who may cast stones about my Samantha, but you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

"It's a sad story of how she came to live the life that she did.

"The tragic thing is that she had taken steps to improve her life but all that has now been wiped away."