Newark man charged with his partner's murder admits manslaughter

A man charged with the murder of his partner in Newark has admitted her manslaughter.

Vitoldas Platakis, 50, of Victoria Street, Newark, was remanded into custody in July last year after the incident.

48-year-old Valdamara Zemaitiene was found dead on a bed inside the house with bruising on her body on July 22.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court, Platakis had a Russian translator and spoke to confirm his name.

He denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it saw the justice in accepting the manslaughter plea, and that the murder charge would remain on file.

Platakis and Valdamara Zemaitiene were in a 20-year relationship which was consumed by too much alcohol, the court heard.

Counsel said landlords of the property where the pair were living had previously noted disarray there and said they had been subjected to aggressive behaviour by Platakis.

Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, Recorder for Nottingham, said this behaviour could contribute to an extended sentence for Platakis — who he warned would be handed a prison sentence.

He will remain in custody until his sentencing on May 26.