AN ANDOVER man is set to stand trial for the murder of a mum-of-five despite pleading guilty to the killing her at her home.

Shaun Dyson, of Bury Hill Close, Anna Valley, today appeared at Winchester Crown Court where he admitted to the manslaughter of Lucy-Anne Rushton, 30, but the prosecution did not accept the plea and Dyson will stand trial for murder on December 2.

The 28-year-old’s defence argued that there was a lack of intent or loss of control.

As previously reported in the Advertiser, police were called to Suffolk Road at about 5.30am on June 23 where Ms Rushton, who was married to the defendant but separated, was found injured and she was later pronounced dead.

By admitting to manslaughter, prosecutor Simon Jones said, the defendant, has also accepted that “kicking and stamping was unlawful use of force” against his former partner.

Mr Dyson was remanded in custody following the hearing.

Following her death, Ms Rushton’s family paid tribute to her.

They said: “A beautiful mother, daughter, sister, niece, auntie and friend. Sadly her life was taken away from us all.

“Part of her will always live on through her children. There will never be a day that she isn’t thought about.

“She will be missed enormously by everyone. The life and soul of the party. We are absolutely heartbroken that we will never see her gorgeous face again.

“R.I.P our Angel. We love you Lucy. Never forgotten, always in our hearts. Mum’s wild child.”