A man is to stand trial next month for the murder of a grandmother in her own home, late last year.

Alexander Charles Carr today (Tuesday April 4) admitted the manslaughter of Michelle Hanson, but he denied the more serious charge of murder, for which he will now stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Police found the body of Mrs Hanson at a property in Brady Street, Pallion, Sunderland, on Saturday December 3, last year.

The 47-year-old grandmother suffered multiple stab or slash-like wounds.

Read more: Alexander Carr makes second crown court appearance charged with murder

Her alleged killer was arrested in Islington, north London, on Wednesday, December 21.

Mr Carr was subsequently charged with Mrs Hanson’s murder, but in two previous appearances at the court the charges were not put to him.

Having made his pleas at today’s hearing, the 33-year-old defendant, of Wilfred Street, Sunderland, was remanded to remain in custody pending his trial, starting on Friday May 19.

Read next:

* Alexander Carr appears in court charged with murder of Michelle Hanson

* Man charged with murder of Sunderland mum Michelle Hanson

* Police name murdered Sunderland woman as manhunt continues

Subscription offers for The Northern Echo (Premium Plus Only) ... Monthly: £1 for 1month, then £7.99 per month; or Annually: £67.00 (over 15% off) for 12 months, then £79. Click here

Adjourning the case until the trial, The Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan KC, told the defendant that if he has committed the offence of murder, the sooner he tells the court, “the better for you.”

The judge added that the longer he leaves it to tell the court, the worse things will be for him, by way of more severe punishment.

The defendant replied “yes”, that he was aware that would be the case.