A former binman has pleaded guilty in England to murdering twin sisters and an elderly couple.
Mark Hobson (35) pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to murdering his girlfriend Claire Sanderson (27), and her sister Diane, along with pensioners James Britton (80) and his wife Joan (82) in York last summer.
It emerged that Hobson, of New Lane, Selby, North Yorkshire, had scribbled the names of other potential victims on a possible hit list and police feared he may strike again, prompting officers to provide round-the-clock protection for the individuals named.
Closely flanked by two prison officers, Hobson bowed his head and appeared to be close to tears as he muttered "guilty" four times as each of the counts was put to him.
As the first count was read out by the court clerk, which related to Claire Sanderson, some of the victim's 20 relatives in the packed courtroom burst into tears.
After entering his pleas, Hobson, who was wearing a dark grey suit and sporting a shaved head, sat between the officers with his head bowed.
PA