Lily Sullivan ‘murder’: Dad admits killing girl, 18, found strangled to death at beauty spot but faces murder trial

A DAD today admitted killing an 18-year-old girl found strangled at a beauty spot but will go on trial for murder.

Lily Sullivan had been partying with pals before she was found dead close to Pembroke Castle in South Wales in December.

Lewis Haines, 31, today pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court.

Prosecutors did not accept his plea and the oil refinery worker was remanded in custody ahead of a trial on June 20.

Haines was not known to Lily before she was killed, it is said.

CCTV showed her in Paddles nightclub and later walking through the town before she vanished.

Worried family and friends issued desperate appeals for information after she first disappeared.

She was discovered strangled at Mill Pond in the early hours of December 17.

In tribute, her parents said: "Lily was a kind and caring daughter who will be deeply missed by everyone.

"The family are very thankful to all of Lily’s friends for their support.”

Pembroke Mill Ponds, where Lily's body was found, is near Pembroke Castle and is a beauty spot popular with visitors.