Man admits partner's manslaughter

Reports are being prepared for Nicholas Trick's sentencing

A man due to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of murdering his girlfriend has entered a plea of guilty to manslaughter.

Nicholas Trick, 46, from the city's Uplands area, had previously denied murdering his girlfriend Sandra Kay Brooks.

The mother-of-two, 46, was found dead at her home in St Thomas, Swansea, in January, with stab wounds.

A background report is being prepared for the sentencing on 12 November.

An expected four week trial was due to begin at Swansea on Monday but was held up while Trick conferred with his legal team.

When he did appear later it was to admit the lesser charge of manslaughter.

The plea was accepted by the prosecution and he was remanded in custody.

Peter Murphy QC, prosecuting, said they would not proceed with the murder allegation.

He said a charge of assault causing grievous bodily harm would also be dropped.

Mr Justice Roderick Evans, asked probation officers to prepare a pre-sentence report into Trick's background in time for the sentencing hearing.

Trick's barrister, Gerard Elias QC, said the defence would also provide the court with a psychological report into his state of mind at the time of the killing.