A WIRRAL man has admitted stabbing another man to death.

Steven Smale pleaded guilty to murdering 26-year-old Guy Howard in a flat above a shop in Pensby Road, Heswall.

Police were called to the scene late on Saturday evening, February 11, where they found the body of Mr Howard.

Smale, 31, of Telegraph Road, who was wearing a dark suit and striped tie, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link equipment from Walton jail.

His barrister, John McDermott, QC, told the court that while only one sentence can be imposed consideration would have to given to the recommended tariff. He consequently asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

"It is not only only a tragic but very surprising case," he said. "He had nothing in his life prior to this event that could have possibly foreshadowed the dreadful events that took place on February 11."

Judge John Roberts agreed to the request and Smale was further remanded in custody to await sentence on June 23.