A man who stabbed a Salford student to death in a suspected homophobic attack apologised to his victim’s family as he pleaded guilty to murder.

Watch Elaine Willcox's report below.

The body of William Lound, from Birkdale, near Southport, was discovered by police at his halls of residence in Blackfriars in February.

Officers went to the 30-year-old’s flat at Bramall Court after they were approached by a man in Manchester city centre saying someone had been killed.

Lee Arnold, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the murder of the first year IT student via videolink at Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, July 11.

The court heard how Arnold, 37, had requested the hearing be held early and that he be sentenced swiftly as not to 'extend the pain' that his victim's family have suffered.

Defending Arnold, Abdas Lakha said:

He is anxious to minimalise the pain and suffering to Mr Lound’s family. He is fully aware that William Lound’s mother is present in court today and has repeatedly expressed remorse and regret at the pain caused to the family by taking the life of their son. Defending Arnold, Abdas Lakha

Mr Lakha said that Arnold wanted to publicly apologise for what he did and that although a psychiatric report suggested he would be eligible to claim diminished responsibility, he did not want to.

Mr Lakha added:

He wants to be punished for what he did and accepts full responsibility for his actions. He recognises that he has caused pain to William Lound’s family and all those nearest and dearest to him. Abdas Lakha, defending

Mr Lakha also said that Arnold had been disowned by his own family as a result, and that he hoped that “by taking this step” he may be able to “pave the way” to repair the damaged relationship.

Following his death, William’s family paid tribute to him branding him a:

very kind, thoughtful and very caring young man. Family statement

More than 100 mourners attended his funeral during which his sister Gini gave an emotional eulogy to her brother.Tragically, three months after her brother was killed, she was discovered dead at her shop on Five Bury Road, in Southport.

Arnold is due to be sentenced in August.