A chef has today admitted murdering an Oxfordshire teaching assistant as she walked her dogs.

The body of Sally Garwood, 34, was found on playing fields near her home in Aylesbury, Bucks, by passers-by on July 11.

Robert Cusworth, 25, also from Aylesbury, pleaded guilty to murder when he appeared at Reading Crown Court today.

Mrs Garwood worked at the Autism Resource Base at Lord Williams’s School in Thame.

Aylesbury magistrates were told at an earlier hearing Cusworth bought a knife a day before with the intention of killing a jogger but changed his mind because the area was too busy and attacked Mrs Garwood instead.

He then returned home and contacted police to tell them what he had done.

Sentencing was adjourned until January for psychological reports.

Det Supt Rob Mason, the senior investigating officer, said: “Sally Garwood’s murder was an attack on a defenceless young woman who was walking her dog. She was an active member of her church and a much liked and respected teaching assistant at Lord Williams’s School in Thame.”

Supt Richard List, Aylesbury's police commander, said: "This crime has shocked the Aylesbury Vale. Sally was a kind, honest and caring individual, whose life was cruelly ended by the violent act of Robert Cusworth. I'm pleased that he has pleaded guilty, as this will hopefully bring some closure for Sally's family and in particular her husband, Simon.

"The pain at their loss is unbearable and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time."