A man who has admitted killing his new bride whose body was recovered from a suitcase is set to stand trial for murder on July 25.

Thomas Nutt has pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing Dawn Walker between October 27 and 31 last year.

Nutt, 45, of Shirley Grove, Lightcliffe, was not before Bradford Crown Court for a short hearing this morning in front of Judge Jonathan Rose who is trying the case.

Stephen Wood QC, leading counsel for the defence, says the issue will be the narrow one of intent.

Nutt has been in hospital but the court heard he was now back in HMP Leeds on remand.

In April, he pleaded not guilty to murdering Miss Walker, 52, but guilty to the alternative offence of manslaughter.

The court heard on that occasion that Miss Walker had ‘significant areas of bruising on her scalp.’ There were possible multiple blows and a likelihood of strangulation.

Mr Wood said no psychiatric defence would be raised but Nutt had some serious physical health problems that would have to be accommodated when he was in court.

Today, Mr Wood said: “He’s pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He accepts responsibility for the killing as an unlawful act. The issue is his intent to cause serious harm or to kill.”

Doctors were still deciding if Nutt was well enough to attend court for the trial.

Leading prosecuting counsel, Alistair MacDonald QC, said family members of Miss Walker were present in court and the Crown was very anxious that the case should proceed.

Judge Rose fixed another hearing for July 15 for an update on the medical position.