A teenager has pleaded guilty to murdering his mother after her body was found near a nature reserve in Prestatyn last year.
Tristan Thomas Roberts**, 18, admitted killing his mother, Angela Shellis, 45, during a hearing at Mold Crown Court.
Ms Shellis, a teaching assistant, was discovered by a member of the public in bushes close to Morfa nature reserve on 24 October. A murder investigation was launched immediately by North Wales Police.
Roberts, of Coniston Drive, Prestatyn, was quickly identified as a suspect and arrested at his home before being charged with murder.
Appearing in court wearing a blue jumper and trousers, Roberts showed no visible emotion as he entered his guilty plea. Proceedings were adjourned until sentencing on 25 March.
Judge Rhys Rowlands told the defendant: “There can only be one sentence for the offence of murder. The fact you have pleaded guilty will be reflected in the sentence.”
A post-mortem examination carried out by Home Office pathologist Brian Rodgers gave the provisional cause of death as blunt force head trauma.
Tributes were paid to Ms Shellis following her death. Her sister, Sarah Gunther, described her as a loving and kind person who always put others first.
Ms Shellis worked as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School, where headteacher Philip Collins said she was a valued and committed member of staff.
He said the school community was deeply affected by her death and continued to support her family and friends.
Roberts remains in custody ahead of his sentencing hearing in March.