MICHAEL Cope has admitted murdering his girlfriend, Linzi Ashton, on the day his trial was due to start.

Cope, aged 28, has admitting murdering his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend Linzi Ashton, who was found dead at her home in Winton, Salford, on June 29 last year.

His murder trial was due to start at Manchester Crown Court today, but he has now changed his plea to guilty.

Cope was arrested in Leigh on July 26 after a massive police manhunt, with rewards of up to £25,000 offered at one stage, during which he was reportedly spotted in Boothstown and Hindley.

Linzi died from pressure to the neck and multiple injuries, according to a post-mortem examination.

He is due to be sentenced tomorrow and has been warned that he faces a mandatory life prison term.