Sick Stapleton is due to be sentenced today after admitting he raped and murdered the 80-year-old grandmother (Image: Handout)
her jewellery.
Charles Stapleton, 51, had previously admitted killing Teresa Wishart but had denied raping her.
He was due to stand trial but today changed his plea to guilty - for the first time admitting he had sexually assaulted the helpless grandmother from Kirkby, Merseyside.
Teresa Wishart, a great grandmother, was found dead at an address in Changford Road in October 2017.
The tragic discovery sparked a murder probe that led to Stapleton being charged after two days of questioning.
Stapleton, from Kirkby, had pleaded guilty to the murder of Ms Wishart and stealing from her at a previous court hearing in January, reports the Liverpool Echo .
Teresa was found dead at her home after being subjected to a horrifying sexual assault (Image: PA)
He denied a third allegation of rape and entered a not guilty plea before Judge Clement Goldstone, QC at Liverpool Crown Court .
Following her death, Ms Wishart’s family released a heartfelt statement in which they said: “Our mum lived in the same house in Kirkby since 1967, after moving there from Liverpool city centre.
“Along with our dad Christie, she brought up her four children. Her passion in life was her children, her faith and her home.
“She regularly attended St Mary’s R.C Church in Northwood, where she was a much loved and respected parishioner.
Stapleton appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where he changed his plea to the allegation of rape to guilty (Image: Liverpool Echo)
“She took great pride in her house, keeping it in perfect condition, which extended to the road outside.
“Everyone knew her in the local area and she was much loved and respected by friends and neighbours alike.
“We as a family, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren, are devastated and heartbroken.”
Judge Goldstone said Stapleton will be sentenced at 2:15pm today.