A MAN and woman from Billinge who were charged in the investigation into the murder of Ellen Higginbottom have admitted to perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods.

Eighteen-year-old Ellen was found dead at around 2.30am on Saturday morning at Orrell Water Park, hours after family reported her missing and a social media appeal had been launched to find her.

A post-mortem examination found that Ellen, who was from Salford, had died from severe neck injuries.

Dean Speakman and Vicki Calland, both 30, of Cob Moor Avenue, Billinge, both pleaded guilty to the charge of handling stolen goods and perverting the course of justice at Manchester Crown Court.

Meanwhile, Mark Steven Buckley, 51, of New Hall Lane, Preston, who has been charged with murder, appeared in court via video link.

Buckley was remanded in custody until a hearing on September 4. He did not enter a plea.

A possible trial date has also been set for December 11. 

And David Steele, 47, of Oakley Avenue, Billinge, who is charged with perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods, also appeared.

He did not enter a plea and was also remanded into custody to appear on September 4.

Speakman and Calland will be sentenced at the conclusion of the case. Speakman was remanded into custody and Calland was granted bail.