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A MAN who stabbed a Southport student to death in a suspected homophobic attack has admitted murder.

The body of William Lound, 30, from Birkdale , was discovered by police at his Salford University halls of residence in February.

Today, Lee Arnold, 37, admitted murder and publically apologised to his victim’s family for the “pain and suffering” he has caused.

Arnold, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the murder of the first year IT student via videolink at Manchester Crown Court .

He requested the hearing be held early and that he be sentenced swifty as not to “extend the pain” that Lound’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 to day and has repeatedly expressed remorse and regret at the pain caused to the family by taking the life of their son.”

Mr Lakha said that Arnold wanted to publically apologise for what he did and that although a psychiatric report suggested he would be eligible to claim dimished 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.”

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, Mr Lound’s family paid tribute to a “very kind, thoughtful and very caring young man.”

They said: “His sense of fun, very interesting character and great sense of humour culminated in him being a very charismatic individual, so well-liked and respected by so many.”

More than 100 mourners attended his funeral during which his sister Gini gave an emotional eulogy to her brother.

Tragically, just three months after her brother was killed, she was discovered dead at her shop , Five Bury Road, in Southport.

Police said her death last month was being treated as non-suspicious.

Arnold is due to be sentenced in August.