A MAN has admitting killing, but denied murdering, a mother found dead in her own home.

Barry Paul Hayman yesterday pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Lea Holiday.

However, he told Teesside Crown Court that he denied murdering the 40-year-old.

The plea was not accepted by the prosecution and the case will now go to trial by jury.

The body of Ms Holiday was found in her ground-floor flat in Outram Street, Darlington, on the evening of March 14.

Police and paramedics were called after being alerted by a neighbour.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the former Branksome School pupil had been strangled and stabbed.

Mr Hayman, 37, of Reid Street, Darlington, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

He later appeared in the town’s magistrates’ court after being charged with the offence.

In the brief hearing yesterday, Mr Hayman spoke only when asked how he pleaded.

Mark Guiliani, prosecuting, told Judge Peter Fox that his guilty plea to manslaughter was not accepted by the Crown.

A trial will take place next month.

Ms Holiday worked in Sainsbury’s in Duke Street, Darlington.

She had two children and one grandchild.

After Ms Holiday’s death, a 20- strong police team carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area.

One neighbour said at the time: “She kept herself to herself really.

Another neighbour added: “She moved in last summer. Her boyfriend has a key and he was always there too.”

Detective Superintendent Neil Malkin, who headed the investigation into the death, said Ms Holiday had suffered a violent death in her own home.

He appealed for anyone to come forward who could help police understand how she became a victim in these circumstances.

The defendant was remanded in custody following yesterday’s hearing.