Man, 29, admits killing vicar's granddaughter, 23, whose body was found in a country lane 'after she went on a date' - but denies murdering her

  • Ross McCullam will face murder trial next year at Leicester Crown Court
  • McCullam, 29, is accused of murdering HR advisor Megan Newborough, 23
  • McCullam appeared via a video-link from HMP Leicester on Friday afternoon

By Emer Scully and Jack Wright For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A man has today admitted killing a vicar's granddaughter but denied murdering her.

Ross McCullam, 29, is accused of murdering Megan Newborough, 23, on Friday August 6. 

The body of the 23-year-old was found in a country road in Woodhouse Eaves, near Loughborough the day after her family reported her missing.

The HR advisor, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was reported missing the previous day after she failed to return home following an online date. 

Appearing via video-link from HMP Leicester on Friday, McCullam denied murder and pleaded guilty to an alternative offence of manslaughter, on the grounds of diminished responsibility and loss of control. 

Ross McCullam will now face trial next year at Leicester Crown Court accused of the murder of Megan Newborough (pictured), who was discovered in Charley Road, near Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, in the early hours of Sunday, August 8

Ross McCullam will now face trial next year at Leicester Crown Court accused of the murder of Megan Newborough (pictured), who was discovered in Charley Road, near Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, in the early hours of Sunday, August 8

But the case was adjourned until next year - meaning he will stand trial for murder at Leicester Crown Court.

Judge Timothy Spencer QC told McCullam: 'Through your plea this morning you have admitted a very serious matter and a very serous offence.

'The prosecution do not accept that the case is a manslaughter case.

'They say it's a murder case - the jury will have to decide and your trial will take place on March 7th.' 

He spoke only to confirm his plea of not guilty to a charge alleging he murdered Ms Newborough on August 6, and to state that he could hear the judge. Pictured, the police cordon close to where Ms Newborough's body was found

He spoke only to confirm his plea of not guilty to a charge alleging he murdered Ms Newborough on August 6, and to state that he could hear the judge. Pictured, the police cordon close to where Ms Newborough's body was found

The defendant, of Coalville, Leicestershire, was remanded in custody. 

Ms Newborough, from Nuneaton, had been reported missing to Warwickshire Police on August 7.

In a statement issued shortly after her death, her family said: 'There are no words to describe how much we as a family are completely heartbroken and devastated.

'Megan was the most generous, loving and caring person and we have been robbed of our treasured daughter.'   

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