Convicted sex offender admits teenager's murder

A convicted sex offender in the UK today admitted kidnapping, raping and murdering a teenager who he ensnared using an internet social networking site.

Peter Chapman, 33, of no fixed address, dramatically changed his plea as he was due to face trial at Teesside Crown Court for the killing of Ashleigh Hall.

The body of the 17-year-old childcare student was found dumped in a farmer’s field near Sedgefield, County Durham, in October last year.

Miss Hall, from Darlington, was strangled and left near a known lovers’ lane.

Chapman also pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of a change of address, as required by the UK sex offenders register.