Samantha Eastwood killed: Michael Stirling admits murder of midwife after 'affair' and dumping her body

Missing: midwife Samantha Eastwood who was last seen leaving work at Royal Stoke Hospital at 7.45am on Friday (Picture: PA)

A man has admitted murdering midwife Samantha Eastwood in a bout of "intense rage" after having a "long-standing affair" with her.

Michael Stirling, the brother-in-law of Ms Eastwood's ex John Peake, pleaded guilty to murder at Northampton Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard he strangled 28-year-old Ms Eastwood during a confrontation at her home in Staffordshire, before burying her in a shallow grave.

His barrister, Charles Miskin, told the court: "This was not a pre-meditated act. The context of the killing was a background of growing tension arising from a longstanding, but not particularly intense affair."

Michael Stirling pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court to murdering midwife Samantha Eastwood (Staffordshire Police/PA)

Ms Eastwood had last been seen leaving Royal Stoke University Hospital on July 27 after a night shift.

Mr Miskin said that on the afternoon of the killing, "various things were said" between the two "which led to him becoming very angry".

Police searching Tickhill Lane in Caverswall in August, shortly before Samantha Eastwood's body was found (Peter Byrne/PA)

He added: "There was an argument in that context and that led to him being very angry.

"After a struggle and while she was on the floor, he put his hands over her throat, her mouth and nose, and as a result of that she died."

A police forensic officer outside the home of Samantha Eastwood in Baddeley Green, Staffordshire (Richard Vernalls/PA)

Mr Miskin said: "During his intense rage, he originally intended to cause her really serious bodily harm, but matters escalated and he carried out the intention to kill her."

"He panicked afterwards and buried her in an area of which he had some knowledge.

Stirling leaves court in August, when he had been charged with Ms Eastwood's murder (Peter Byrne/PA)

"He entirely accepts that he tried, wholly dishonestly, to mislead others in the afternoon after the killing.

"He is absolutely horrified about what happened and is deeply sorry, not for himself, but for all the others who are victims of this crime."

Police carrying out a search for clues following the disappearance of Samantha Eastwood (Peter Bryne/PA)

Stirling, who had no previous convictions, appeared via video link in court on Monday.

He was sporting a full beard, sat at a table and wearing a dark grey t-shirt. Ms Eastwood's mother, sister, and Mr Peake watched from the public gallery.

Gemma Eastwood, sister of missing Samantha Eastwood, at a news conference when Ms Eastwood was considered missing (PA)

Stirling, 32, of Stoke-on-Trent, will be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on December 3.

Ms Eastwood's body was discovered in a rural area near Caverswall, Staffordshire, wrapped in a duvet and with tape around her eyes and face.

She had been missing for eight days.

Additional reporting by Press Association.