A woman who was fatally assaulted by her violent partner was "scantily dressed" at the time of her death, a court heard. Valdamara Zemaitiene, aged 48, was found dead in just her underwear.
Nottingham Crown Court heard on Monday, May 9, it was not suggested there was an sexual inpropriety - that is what she was wearing at the time. Brief details surrounding the tragedy were heard as Valdamara's partner of seven years pleaded guilty to her manslaughter between July 21, 2021, and July 23, 2021.
Vitoldas Platakis, aged 50, of Victoria Street, Newark, had denied her murder, which was accepted the prosecution, at today's hearing. When the manslaughter charged was put to bearded Platakis, who was dressed casually in grey, he replied: "Yes, it was an accident. It wasn't intentional".
READ MORE: Man pleads guilty to partner's manslaughter in Newark
Clive Stockwell QC, mitigating, for Platakis explained: "All through the conferences and discussion we have had with the defendant, he has maintained he had not intended to kill or cause serious injury. He accepts the unlawful killing of his partner".
The case comes after police were called to Victoria Street, Newark, just before 12 noon on Thursday, July 22, following concerns reported by members of the public. Valdamara Zemaitiene, was found dead on a bed inside the house with bruising on her body, police said
John Lloyd-Jones QC, prosecuting, said the deceased, who was 48, and the defendant were in a relationship for seven years - marked for both of them with excessive consumption of alcohol. Platakis previously assaulted his partner on her torso - injuries that could not be seen in public.
The court was told it was hard to tell when the fatal injury was struck. No firearm, knife or other weapon was used to strike his partner.
"He clearly killed her by using unlawful violence," said Mr Lloyd-Jones. He added: "The plea is acceptable to the Crown. We will ask, in due course, for count one (the murder charge) to lie on file and that to happen on the day of sentence in the usual way".
Neighbours remembered a number of arguments, shouts and bangs. "She was certainly alive the evening before," added Mr Lloyd-Jones. "She was scantily dressed at the time she died. She was effectively in her underwear.
"We don't suggest any sexual inpropriety from that - that is what she was wearing at the time. We ask the defendant is sentenced as soon as possible".
Clive Stockwell QC, mitigating, said the plea was (by his client) to unlawful killing of his partner and acceptance (of this) in view of his poor memory. Platakis had a significant drink problem. He was a man who had been verbally aggressive for a number of years, and previous flatmates had complained about his aggression.
The sentencing hearing will take two hours on May 26 as all the details of the prosecution case are heard, the mitigation and judge's sentencing remarks.
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