A man accused of killing Sabina Nessa has accepted responsibility for the death of the primary school teacher, but pleaded not guilty to her murder.

Ms Nessa, 28, was attacked in Cator Park, Kidbrooke, south east London, while she was on her way to meet a friend on 17 September.

Her body was found covered with grass near a community centre in the park.

Koci Selamaj, 36, is alleged to have travelled to London from his home in Eastbourne to carry out the attack, prosecutors say.

Speaking to defence barrister Aidan Harvey, Mr Justice Wall said: “Is there any dispute your client killed Ms Nessa?”

Mr Harvey replied: “There is not, my Lord. He accepts he killed her.”

Selamaj, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was arrested in the seaside town and charged with her murder.

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Selamaj, an Albanian national, appeared at the Old Bailey for a plea and directions hearing this morning.

Members of the Ms Nessa’s family sat in court just a few metres from the defendant in the dock.

Selamaj wore a face mask and grey T-shirt and spoke only to confirm his identity and plea.

Senior judge Mr Justice Wall then set a further hearing on February 25 next year.

He also set a trial of up to five weeks from June 7 next year.

The defendant was then remanded into custody.

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