A killer who stabbed a 21-year-old woman with a samurai sword before running her over has admitted her murder.

Hugh Penrose, 36, will be jailed for life after he attacked Carie Burns during an argument at a house party in Consett, Co Durham.

She had moved from Kendal, Cumbria, only the week before the horrific attack in May last year to start a new life.

She was stabbed inside a house in the Blackhill area of the town, before she managed to stagger outside.

Penrose then got in his maroon Ford Mondeo and deliberately ran her over as she lay dying in the street.

He changed his plea at Newcastle Crown Court today, having initially denied the offence.

Bald, bespectacled Penrose, of Thomas Street, Blackhill, Consett, swaggered as he left the dock.

Judge David Hodson told him he will be sentenced on February 21, after psychiatric assessment.

The Judge added: "You will appreciate that there can be but one sentence for this offence and that will be a sentence of life imprisonment."