The partner of EastEnders actress Sian Blake has admitted killing her and their two children, his lawyer has said.
Hairdresser Arthur Simpson-Kent (48) is charged with murdering his 43-year-old girlfriend and their sons Zachary (8) and Amon (4) between December 12th and December 16th last year.
The victims vanished on December 13th and their bodies were found buried in the garden of the family home in Erith, Kent, on January 5th.
The following month, Simpson-Kent was arrested at Heathrow Airport after agreeing to his extradition from Ghana.
Simpson-Kent appeared via video link from Belmarsh prison before Mr Justice Singh at the Old Bailey.
Dressed in a red T-shirt and dark trousers, the defendant spoke only to confirm his name.
He was to due enter pleas to the charges ahead of a provisional trial fixed for October 4th.
However, arraignment was put off and the senior judge set a new timetable for the case.
Defence lawyer Jim Sturman QC told the court that his client had admitted the killings.
He said he had no objection to the defendant’s position being reported.
The defendant was remanded in custody until his next hearing on July 29th when he is expected to enter pleas.
Mr Justice Singh confirmed he would be the trial judge.
Ms Blake played Frankie Pierre in 56 episodes of EastEnders between 1996 and 1997. She was suffering from motor neurone disease before she died.
PA