Man due to be sentenced for murder after confessing to killing Sarah Keith at her flat in Horsforth

Carl Chadwick, 35, pleaded guilty to the murder of 26-year-old Sarah Keith when he appeared before Leeds Crown Court last month.

Ms Keith's body was found at her flat on Broadway, Horsforth, on Tuesday April 13.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC adjourned sentencing on July 21 so a hearing can take place in which Chadwick is expected to give evidence before the court.The court heard the Crown and Chadwick's lawyers were in disagreement over whether the murder involved "sexual intent".

The Judge said he wanted the defendant to appear in court to give evidence before deciding whether there was a sexual element to the killing.

Judge Marson said the minimum sentence Chadwick could be ordered to serve in custody could vary between 15 and 30 years depending on the outcome of the hearing.

At the previous hearing, Chadwick's barrister, Mark McKone QC, said: "He (Chadwick) is very anxious that the court does not find a link between sexual activity and the killing.

"He is therefore prepared to give evidence if that is something that the court would think appropriate to decide at this point."

Mr McKone continued: "This is a case where the defendant confessed to the matter and went into some details.

"It would not be appropriate for the prosecution to accept only certain parts of his confession and not others."

Judge Marson said: "I think it is far more satisfactory if the defendant has the opportunity of giving evidence under oath so I can form my view."

The case was adjourned for a day-long hearing which is expected to begin at 10.30am today.