Ex-boyfriend admits manslaughter but denies murder of June Jones
The ex-boyfriend of 33-year-old June Jones, who was at the centre of a widespread manhunt after her body was found in the bath at her West Bromwich home, has admitted killing her.
Michael Foran, aged 33, pleaded guilty to manslaughter when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday but continued to plead not guilty to her murder and is expected to stand trial tomorrow.
The body of Miss Jones, also 33, was found when police broke into her flat at Wyndmill Crescent in the Charlemont area of West Bromwich at about 2am on New Year’s Eve.
It was reported that officers had also visited the premises on December 27 and December 28.
She was reported missing on Boxing Day although members of her family had been worried about her whereabouts and trying to trace her for some time before then.
Foran, of no fixed address, had allegedly been living at the address during their relationship and confessed that he took her life between December 10 and December 16.
He was immediately suspected of being involved in the death but could not be found in the West Bromwich area.
A widespread search was launched with UK ports and Irish police being put on alert.
It was felt he might have gone to Liverpool and this theory was confirmed when he was spotted at an Esso garage in the Anfield area of the city on New Year’s Day.
He was finally arrested in the city on January 5 and transferred to the West Midlands for questioning.
He was subsequently charged with her murder.
Also in the dock is 35-year-old Keith O’Dwyer, from Camberley House, Beaconview Road, West Bromwich, who is accused of assisting an offender by driving Foran to Liverpool on December 31 to impede the apprehension or prosecution of Foran.
He pleads not guilty and will also stand trial today at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
