Gateshead man admits to murdering 37-year-old Laura Robson described as a 'shining light'

A man has pleaded guilty to the murder of Laura Robson.

Ben Hughes, 38, of Appledore Close, Greenside, Gateshead, was charged with the murder of the the 37-year-old after officers were called to disturbance earlier this year. Emergency services attended a property on Appledore Close at around 10.20pm on July 22 and found a woman with serious injuries consistent with being caused by an assault.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Laura, 37, was pronounced dead a short time later. Hughes has now pleaded guilty to murdering Laura at Newcastle Crown Court.

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Recorder Paul Sloan said there was only one sentence for murder and that is life imprisonment. Recorder Sloan told the defendant he would need to consider the minimum time he must spend in custody before being considered for release.

Hughes was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned until January 10 for sentencing. Following Laura's death, officers from Northumbria Police's Major Investigation Team (MIT) launched a full investigation.

Laura's mum Jill Evans has paid tribute to her daughter, describing her as a "shining light" and a "very kind lass". She said: "Words can’t describe how we, as a family, feel on the passing of our 'Laura' or 'Lauz' as we lovingly called her."