A Briton who was arrested in the UK after returning from a visit to Malta with his Maltese girlfriend has admitted that he prevented the lawful burial of his wife, whose body was found in a wheelie bin. He denied murder.

Chef Peter Wallner, 33, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preventing the lawful and decent burial of Melanie Wallner.

Mrs Wallner, 30, who was last seen in August 2006, was discovered in a wheelie bin outside the family home in Hamilton Avenue, Cobham, Surrey, last year. Her body is alleged to have been kept in a freezer for several years.

Wallner pleaded not guilty to murdering Mrs Wallner. He was remanded in custody to face trial, provisionally fixed for November 30.

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