A KILLER admitted the brutal stabbing of a woman and the torching of their home in Southampton.

Jose Pedro, 25, changed his plea at Winchester Crown Court yesterday from not guilty to murder to guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Pedro stabbed Nokhanya Mhkonta 27 times and then set fire to their bedsit in Exmoor Road, St Mary's, on December 22 2005.

A murder trial was abandoned in February after a sustained emotional outburst by the mother of Swaziland-born Miss Mhkonta from the public gallery as Pedro was about to give evidence.

Pedro also yesterday denied arson with intent to endanger life but admitted arson.

Both new pleas were accepted by the prosecution.

Yesterday Nigel Pascoe QC, prosecuting, said to Judge Guy Boney QC: "You will remember this case all too well. The jury was discharged on February 26 in circumstances none of us will forget."

Medical reports now agree that Pedro is mentally ill but the court is not ready for a final sentence, said Mr Pascoe.

Oba Nsugbe QC, defending, said: "It is a complicated diagnosis. But the doctors agree there was psychotic depression."

The judge made an interim hospital order under a mental health act to remand Pedro, who was smartly dressed in a suit and tie, into custody. He will be admitted to Ravenswood House, near Fareham, on June 6, the judge said.

A case conference involving doctors and psychiatrists is due to meet in September and final disposal of Pedro will be made at a later date.

The judge told Pedro: "I know that you have come here today hoping for final disposal in this matter. I can't, I'm afraid, give it to you. I have to know what the mental health position is."