A man who murdered and dismembered his landlady in Stotfold, before hiding her remains in a Letchworth storage unit, has pleaded guilty to his "horrific crime".

Scott Paterson, 45, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the murder of Annette Smith at Luton Crown Court today (September 9), during a pre-trial preparation hearing.

Paterson killed her in the home they shared in Fairfield, Stotfold, in November last year and hid her remains in a Letchworth storage unit. 

He then used her email account to send Christmas messages and Moonpig cards to family and friends in an effort to convince them she was still alive.

He even reported to police that she had left their home with an unknown woman to cover his tracks.

Annette Smith.Annette Smith. (Image: Bedfordshire Constabulary)

However, in April, concerns were raised by relatives and an investigation was launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.  

Detectives discovered her passport and clothing were still at the home along with her laptop, which had been used to send the Christmas messages. 

When he was arrested, Paterson made a full admission and directed police to a storage unit where he had hidden her remains.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, who led the investigation, said: "Annette’s death is tragic, and deeply saddening. Our thoughts remain with her loved ones. 

"Paterson’s actions to conceal his horrific crime and later mislead Annette’s family and friends with a false sense of assurance, reveals the nature of a very cold and calculated individual who has no place in our community. 

"Uncovering Annette’s death has required the finest level of police work, and I would like to commend the Major Crime Unit and supporting teams on their meticulous efforts over the last five months.

"Our hope is that this swift progression towards justice, provides some level of comfort to those affected by Annette’s death."

Paterson will be sentenced next month.