The boyfriend of former Bicester woman Denise Skilbeck was last night facing a life sentence after admitting her murder.

Gary Spalding, of Dobsons Quay, Newark, entered his plea at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday and was remanded in custody.

The 34-year-old is understood to have hit employment advisor Miss Skilbeck, 31, with a hammer.

Miss Skilbeck, who moved to Nottinghamshire in 2007, was found dead at the flat she shared with Spalding shortly after 7pm on Wednesday, March 16.

After the hearing, Miss Skilbeck’s mother Ingrid, of Manston Close, and her three sisters – who travelled from Bicester to the Nottingham court – paid tribute to a “loving” woman.

In a joint statement they said: “Denise’s death has left a gaping hole in our lives. She was so full of life and had so much more to give.

“Denise had recently received a commendation at work for helping 100 disadvantaged people back into employment. But she did so much more than that. She worked above and beyond the expectations of her job, not only helping people back into work but helping them reintegrate into society.

“She was making such a difference. She was a very loving, very funny daughter, sister and aunt and she was incredibly community spirited, helping people outside of work as well as in.

“Her loss is being felt not only at home but among the hundreds of people she has touched during her short life.”

Det Chf Insp Brendan O’Shea, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are pleased with today’s outcome as the guilty plea will speed up what could have been a much more drawn out legal process.

“Our thoughts are, as always, with Denise’s family at this time.

“Today’s plea brings us one step closer to a sentence and hopefully a degree of closure for her parents, her sisters and friends, who have been trying to deal with their grief over Denise’s death.”

An Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into contact between Nottinghamshire Police and Denise Skilbeck prior to her murder is due to conclude soon.

Contact with police was between May 2008 and March 13, 2011, and related to domestic incidents.

The court heard Spalding had always maintained he could not remember committing the murder.

Sentencing was adjourned until Friday, September 9, for medical reports.

Judge John Milmo said there would be a mandatory life sentence and he would have to determine the length of time before parole is considered. He remanded Spalding in custody.