A Romanian who murdered an Israeli woman in her home is facing life behind bars.

Nicolae Patraucean, 20, left Rivka Holden, 55, so badly mutilated it is still unclear exactly how she died, the Old Bailey heard.

Ms Holden suffered horrific wounds in the attack at her home in Colindale, north-west London, and may also have been sexually assaulted by Patraucean.

He showed no emotion in the dock as he pleaded guilty to murder through a Romanian interpreter.

Ms Holden's body was found on March 16 this year and police also discovered that her red Hyundai, usually parked outside, was missing.

Julian Mann, a congregant of the local Kingsbury Synagogue, said at the time of her death: "She was very warm and would sometimes drop into us for a chat and something to eat. My wife and I enjoyed talking to her.

"She also chatted in Hebrew with my son, who is a rabbi, and asked which rabbis she could go to for a blessing for her health. She had already had an operation on her foot and her walking was limited."

Judge Timothy Pontius adjourned sentence until July 25 so the cause of death and suspected sexual assault could be investigated.

Patraucean, of Chichester Court, Stanmore, admitted murder. He was remanded in custody ahead of sentence.