A man accused of murder has today (Wednesday, October 23) changed his plea and admitted killing his on/off partner who he beat to death in a series of drunken assaults at his flat.

On what was to have been the second day of his trial at Newcastle Crown Court, accused of the murder of Melissa Eastick, defence counsel asked for the charge to be put again to defendant Stephen George Todd.

The 41-year-old accused this time pleaded guilty to the murder of Ms Eastick, on dates between October 1 and 18 last year.

It emerged that at the time Todd had only recently been released from a prison sentence for a previous assault on Ms Eastick.

He will now be sentenced at the court on a date to be fixed next month.

(Image: Northumbria Police) The court heard that Todd rang 999 and summoned an ambulance saying he could not rouse her, shortly after 7am on October 17 last year.

Shortly after the arrival of an ambulance crew to Todd’s first-floor flat in Stockton Terrace, Grangetown, Sunderland, minutes after the 999 call, the death was confirmed of Ms Eastick.

The frail 36-year-old alcoholic was said to have been repeatedly beaten in the days leading up to her death, suffering 123 injuries including multiple fractures and even cigarette burns.

(Image: Northumbria Police) Following Todd's change of plea today the jury foreman recorded a formal guilty verdict.

The court heard the basis of the plea was the beating of Ms Eastick, "on a number of occasions", when in drink while she was at the flat.

(Image: The Northern Echo) Peter Glenser KC, prosecuting, said there were, "a number of significant aggravating features", which he said included the cigarette burns and the general mental and physical pain suffered by the victim prior to her death.

Mr Glenser said the defendant, "accepts the majority of those features."

He revealed Todd had just been released from a prison sentence for an assault on Ms Eastick.

Mr Glenser added that there were other allegations, but not convictions, relating to the defendant's previous behaviour to Ms Eastick.

The trial judge, Mrs Justice Christina Lambert, said she would not pass sentence until next month, probably in the week of November 4, when she is back at the court.

She asked for submissions as to sentence to be passed to the court by both prosecution and defence counsel in the days prior to the sentencing hearing, once fixed.

The defendant was returned to custody pending the sentencing hearing.

(Image: The Northern Echo) Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Melissa’s family and loved ones and we will continue to offer them any support they need. 

“This is a truly horrific case where a young woman has sadly lost her life at the hands of her partner. 

“Todd initially denied any involvement in Melissa’s death, despite her sustaining more than 100 injuries. 

“He has shown no remorse throughout the investigation.  

“However, thanks to the weight of evidence against him, Todd has finally admitted his guilt and Melissa’s loved ones can now attempt to navigate life without her.” 

Det Chief Insp Jenkins added: “I’d like to thank all the officers and staff, and criminal justice partners who helped with this complex investigation and have ultimately helped us secure justice for Melissa. 

“Domestic abuse, no matter the form it takes, is completely unacceptable and we are committed to putting perpetrators before the courts.”  

She said anyone who has concerns over a partner, the partner of a friend or family member, who may have a history of violence, then Clare’s Law can be used to check the person’s background. 
 
Officers can check their record to help people make an informed decision about their relationship and escape if necessary.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

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The service is free and 100-per cent confidential with assurances no-one will ever know that the applicant has applied for information. 
 
Further information about applications under Clare’s Law can be found on the force website, which also includes information about the range of support on offer.

But if there are immediate concerns about someone’s safety, the advice is to always dial 999.