A man has admitted murdering a former servicewoman and mum-of-two in his house.
The body of 38-year-old Sarah Hassall, who served with both the RAF and the Army, was found in a property in Pontypridd in October last year.
On Friday Brian David Manship pleaded guilty to her murder when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court for a brief hearing.
Michael Jones QC, prosecuting, said the plea was entered on the full facts of the prosecution case.
Manship, aged 37, of Llys Graig Y Wion, Pontypridd , was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on March 30.
Ms Hassall was found in the defendant's terraced house on the morning of October 6.
Originally from Chelmsford in Essex, she served with both the RAF and the Royal Engineers for 14 years before moving to Wales.
Following her death a member of her family released a tribute which said: "Her career was dominated by her commitment to mountain search and rescue – Sarah represented her units at both rock climbing competitions and competitive running.
"Sarah left the Army in 2010 to embark on, and excel at, even greater challenges – raising two young boys, Owain and Evan.
"Sarah was my best friend and touched many more lives along the way.
"We all now mourn her passing, grateful for the short time we had in her company."
