THE former partner of a 22-year-old Penygroes mother has admitted her murder.

But Mold Crown Court heard this morning that defendant David Nicholas Davies did not accept the full prosecution case against him and evidence would need to be called to determine on what basis he should be sentenced.

Davies, 25, of Penrhiw Terrace, Clynnog, denies the use of a knife and does not accept the prosecution case that he took a weapon to the scene.

He is now being asked to co-operate with police and identify where he got rid of the murder weapon and his clothing.

The defendant said nothing during the short hearing this morning apart from confirming his identity and saying “guilty” when the charge of murdering Emma Baum on 18 July was put to him.

A so-called Newton hearing – where evidence will be called before the judge sitting without a jury – will take place at Caernarfon Crown Court on 7 November.

Emma was found dead in the back garden of her home in Ffordd Llwyndu, Penygroes, on 18 July this year.

She died as a result of severe head injuries.

Following his guilty plea today prosecuting barrister Simon Mills outlined the outstanding issues between the prosecution and defence.

He said the first was his previous conduct towards her – because the prosecution alleged that he had previously used violence towards her and had made threats and remarks about killing her in the past.

The second issue was the purpose of the defendant’s trip to her home address that night and whether he carried a weapon to the scene.

“The court may also wish to consider the defendant’s actions during this fatal assault – whether he intended to kill her as opposed to causing serious injury,” explained Mr Mills.

Finally there was the issue of his conduct in the aftermath of the murder. In particular, the prosecution said that the defendant caused the deceased’s mother to go to the scene and used words to her which might assist the court in deciding the purpose of his first trip to the house that night.

The defendant’s basis of plea would be supplied to the crown’s pathologist and to the forensic scientists for them to express their views.

“We are also inviting the defendant to provide assistance to the police in regards to the location of where he disposed of the murder weapon and his clothing afterwards,” said Mr Mills.

Dafydd Roberts, defending, said that he could confirm that his client denied using a knife.

Mr Roberts said that he would take instructions on the prosecution’s request for assistance over the murder weapon and the clothing.

Judge Keith Thomas told the defendant that he would be remanded in custody pending the calling of evidence.