Man admits murdering mother of seven 28 years ago

Trevor Dunkley, 66, has pleaded guilty to murdering Patricia Lashley in 1998, 28 years after she disappeared near her home in Dudley, West Midlands. Dunkley also admitted preventing the lawful burial of Ms Lashley, who was 33 at the time of her death and a mother of seven.

Dunkley confessed to police that he killed Ms Lashley and disposed of her decomposed body. He told officers that after killing her, he hid her body in a cellar for approximately nine months to a year before disposing of the skeleton in household bins.

Confession to Police

West Midlands Police stated that Dunkley, who was Ms Lashley's partner at the time, shared a home with her in Hall Street, Dudley. The force revealed that an officer recently visited Dunkley, during which he made a confession, stating, "I killed her, I'm sorry."

During police interviews, Dunkley described a relationship with Ms Lashley that began when she was pregnant and living in Dudley. He claimed that on the day of the murder, he attacked her with his fists while she was in bed, stating that "red mist" had descended. He also told detectives he took Ms Lashley's child to Social Services, claiming she had abandoned the baby.

Dunkley, who was 38 at the time of the murder, admitted to hiding Ms Lashley's body with bedding and taking it to the cellar. He later disposed of her remains in household waste over several weeks, making it unlikely her body will ever be found, according to police.

Court Proceedings

Appearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Dunkley, of Himley Road, Dudley, showed no emotion as his barrister, Balbir Singh, informed the judge that the charges were based on Dunkley's police interview. Mr Singh indicated that the confession was made when there was no other evidence of what had occurred.

Several members of Ms Lashley's family were present in court. Judge Michael Chambers KC acknowledged Dunkley's guilty pleas, stating he had shown courage. The judge ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Dunkley in custody. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6.

Victim's Background

Ms Lashley, known locally as Pat or Jade, lived in Hall Street, Dudley. Police noted she had links to London, Wales, Newcastle, and Scotland, and also used the names Vanessa and Tricia, as well as the surname Bradford. She was reported missing by her sister in June 1999, and appeals for information were made in the years following her disappearance.

Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell of West Midlands' Homicide Unit described the case as harrowing, highlighting that Dunkley was the only person who knew the full details of that day. She stated, "What we do know is that, by his own admission, he subjected Patricia Lashley to a sustained and violent assault which led to her death." DI Cordell added that Dunkley's actions afterwards were "unspeakably cruel" and deprived the family of the chance to lay Ms Lashley to rest.

Dunkley decided to confess nearly 30 years after Ms Lashley's death, reportedly believing police were "onto him."