A MAN has pleaded guilty to the murder of Robert Sempey – but his defence has asked a judge not show a video recording of the latter stages of the killing in open court.

Ian Robertson, 33, of Beilby Road, Haydock, appeared via a video link at Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon.

Robertson had initially denied murdering 37-year-old Mr Sempey between January 18 and January 22 of this year, however, he changed his plea today.

The short hearing took place before Judge Andrew Menary QC.

The body of 37-year-old Mr Sempey, who was from Newton-le-Willows, was discovered in a back garden on Beilby Road, Haydock.

The court heard from prosecutor Christopher Tehrani over video link that the “latter part of the killing” was recorded on a mobile phone.

Robertson stated he would “prefer it not to be played in court” before sentencing.

He added that “one of the reasons” he changed his plea was so “the family (of Mr Sempey) didn’t have to go through” seeing the recording played.

The judge asked to see the video in private before he makes a decision, adding it is “unlikely it will be played in open court”.

Meanwhile, Kirsty Jervis, 30, also of Beilby Road, Haydock appeared in the dock.

Wearing a blue tracksuit top over a dark-coloured shirt, she pleaded guilty to assisting an offender in relation to the murder having also initially pleaded not guilty.

During the hearing Philip Astbury, defending Jervis, pointed out that, due to “a physical disability”, her ability to move the body was “hampered”, adding she “accepts some attempts to clean up afterwards".

Judge Menary adjourned sentencing until June 14 and both defendants were remanded in custody.

An application by Robertson to appear via video link for sentencing was dismissed by the judge as he stated “both defendants must be here” for the hearing.