Andrew Patrick Saunders appeared in court charged with the murders of Zoe Morgan, 21, and Lee Simmons, 33
A man has admitted murdering a young couple in a horrific double stabbing on Cardiff's Queen Street.
Andrew Patrick Saunders, 20, of no fixed address, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday morning charged with the murders of Zoe Morgan, 21, and Lee Simmons, 33.
Saunders arrived in the dock wearing a blue hoodie. Within two minutes he had pleaded guilty to the murders. He will be sentenced next year.
The couple, who worked together at Matalan, were found dead in Queen Street on September 28 at around 5.50am.
Lee, from Grangetown, was a sales assistant at the store and Zoe, from Llandaff North, was a visual merchandiser.
Saunders was quickly arrested in Castleton, which is located between Newport and Cardiff.
Zoe had just graduated from the University of South Wales and had been a pupil at Whitchurch High in Cardiff before that.
Her former headteacher, Huw Jones-Williams, described her as a very creative person who would have gone on to do great things.
He said: "We are in complete shock. Your heart just goes out to her family and friends on the tragic circumstances that she has lost her life."
And a neighbour of Lee's said he was “so very happy”.
Rhydian Bowen Phillips said: “What’s sad is he found a job here recently, and then found a girlfriend, and they were both seen to be so very happy.
“They were always holding hands and would travel to work together, things like that."
Cards and floral tributes were laid outside the Matalan store where the young couple worked, also on Queen Street.
One of the cards read: "Zoe and Lee you'll be sadly missed. Such a sweet couple. Love your Matalan family" while another tribute said "Gone but never forgotten. Look after each other."
Candlelit vigils were held for the young couple, one in Llandaff North and one in Grangetown.
Sentencing next year
Saunders will be sentenced early next year. The case opening is scheduled for January 9 and a date for the sentencing is yet to be confirmed.
KEY EVENT
Saunders pleads guilty
Saunders has pleaded guilty to the murder of Zoe Morgan and Lee Simmons.
Saunders arrives
Saunders has just arrived in the dock. He is wearing a navy hoodie.
Packed court
There are around 20 people in the public gallery.
The hearing is about to begin
Prosecution is Michael Jones. Hilary Roberts will be representing Saunders.
Saunders will be appearing before judge Eleri Rees.
Saunders will be appearing before judge Eleri Rees.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/live-updates-man-accused-murdering-12340251
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