18/04/2005

Ex-binman confesses to four murders

A former binman has today pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to the murder of his girlfriend, her twin sister and an elderly couple.

Mark Hobson, 35, from Selby, North Yorkshire, admitted murdering his girlfriend Claire Sanderson, her sister Diane, both 27, and James Britton and his wife, both in their eighties, in July last year.

Outlining the case for the prosecution, Paul Worsley QC described the murders, which took place between July 10 and July 19 2004, as “horrific and chilling”.

Mr Worsley told the court that Hobson had planned to lure Diane to the flat, where he murdered her, after killing Claire. The court was told that Hobson had previously told a work colleague that he had chosen the “wrong sister”.

Hobson also pleaded guilty to the murders of Mr and Mrs Britton, whose home he broke into while he was on the run from the police.

The court was also shown notes written by Hobson, which seemed to indicate that Hobson might have been planning to commit more murders.

Hobson was reportedly close to tears as he pleaded guilty to all four charges of murder.

The case continues.

(KMcA/GB)


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