Man is guilty of teacher's murder

A 35-year-old man has admitted killing a teacher in a park in Limavady 18 months ago.

Victor Kennedy, of no fixed abode, originally denied murdering 37-year-old Michael McGinnis, from Limavady.

Kennedy pleaded guilty to murder at Londonderry Crown Court on Wednesday after having his manslaughter plea rejected by the prosecution.

The guilty plea carries a mandatory life sentence. The tariff length will be set at Belfast Crown Court in March.

Mr Justice Reg Weir said before that hearing took place he wanted psychiatric and pre-sentencing reports to consider the dangerousness of Kennedy, who has a previous relevant conviction in 2004.

Several members of Mr McGinnis' family wept after the guilty plea and they thanked Kennedy from sparing them the ordeal of a lengthy trial.

Mr McGinnis's body was found near steps at Blackburn Path in the town in July 2007.