Murder suspect 'admitted guilt'

Philip McNally in court in Mainz, central Germany

A former police inspector has told a court in Germany how a man accused of raping and murdering a woman admitted his guilt to police.

Philip McNally, 50, and from Neath, is on trial for the rape and drowning of 45-year-old Helga Pfirsching at her home in Worms, Germany six years ago.

Mr McNally made the admission on his first meeting with German police in March 2008, the court in Mainz heard.

He denies murder but refuses to answer questions at the trial.

It is alleged Mr McNally stole gold and jewellery after attacking Ms Pfirsching and killing her in 2002.

The mother-of-two was beaten up, handcuffed, raped and then drowned in her suburban semi-detached home.

The police inspector told the court Mr McNally, who lived in Germany for more than 20 years, had made his confession during four hours of questioning.

He said that Mr McNally, a carpenter, had told them: "I can't see anything clear, it's like in a fog. I can't remember that day.

"But there is so much evidence against me. No question, I am the murderer."

Helga Pfirsching's body was discovered by her 14-year-old daughter

The police inspector said the suspect "seemed very authentic" and added that at one point he broke down in tears.

"I had the impression he really was trying to say the truth," he told the court.

"I think he realised his hopelessness."

Defence lawyer Uwe Krechel told the court that Ms Pfirsching always kept her doors and windows open and as such there might have been a visitor to her home that was not Mr McNally.

He was arrested in January when South Wales Police took fingerprints after he rowed with his wife at his home in Neath, south Wales.

The prosecution said they matched prints that were taken from the crime scene in 2002.

This led to his arrest and extradition to Germany in February.

The court has already heard from Mr McNally's former girlfriend Hortensia Kleinert who said he threatened her when she tried to end the relationship.