The trial of a man accused of murdering his partner has begun.

Jake Neate, 37, is accused of murdering Suzanne Brown, 33, at her home in Braintree in December 2017.

Officers were called to a home in Braintree shortly before 12.20am after being contacted with concerns for the welfare of the occupants.

Ms Brown, of Mountbatten Court, in Mountbatten Road, was found with 173 stab wounds.

The trial has begun at Chelmsford Crown Court despite Neate being considered unfit to plea.

He is residing in a psychiatric hospital and will not be attending the trial.

On Tuesday the court heard evidence from police sergeant Richard Ambrose.

PC Ambrose told the jury: "He said 'It was brutal what I did to her, her family are going to kill me.'"

PC Ambrose said Neate also said 'if this gets out in the press, will you make sure it is known I am sorry."

The trial continues.