A paranoid schizophrenic finally admitted to the manslaughter of his pregnant girlfriend today - more than a decade after he killed her.

Richard Gray, now 50, was deemed unfit for trial after he strangled Virginia Sivil, 26, shortly before she gave birth to their third child in February 1998.

Miss Sivil was in the first stages of labour when she died outside her home in Foxhill, Bath. Her unborn child was also killed.

After spending 10 years in high security Broadmoor Hospital, doctors decided Gray, originally from Corsham, Wiltshire, was now able to enter a plea to any charges put before him.

Today, at Bristol Crown Court, bald Gray, who wore a long, unkempt and grey beard, apologised to the family of Miss Sivil after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Gray's barrister, Angharad Mousley, said "had he known the extent of his illness" he would have sought help sooner.

Mr Justice Mackay made a hospital order, sectioning Gray under the Mental Health Act 1983, at Broadmoor Hospital.

mf Page 2 An independent inquiry discovered mental health chiefs failed to warn Miss Sivil that Gray had thought about killing her in the months leading up to her death.

The inquiry, headed by barrister Gillian Downham, concluded in 2001 that Wiltshire Health Authority and Wiltshire Social Services had committed a "catalogue of errors".

The report described how Miss Sivil, a former Cheltenham Ladies College pupil known as Ginny, had been a "stabilising influence" on Gray, who was admitted to psychiatric hospitals 13 times between 1985 and 1998.

Gray, who was 39 at the time of the killing, had used illegal drugs from the age of 12, and by the age of 18 had convictions for offences including burglary and rape.

But the report said Miss Sivil, who met Gray when she 18, 14 years his junior, was "aware of his background".

In February 1998, the pair were living apart. She felt early labour pains and contacted Gray, who was driven to Bath by his parents.

The four watched television for a while before Miss Sivil said she wanted to go out for some fresh air and went for a walk with Gray.

Gray returned 20 minutes later and told his father Geoffrey he had killed her.

In March 1999, Gray was found unfit to plead at Bristol Crown Court.

mf Page 3 Medical treatment and therapy at Broadmoor Hospital has improved Gray's mental state, but he is still considered a threat to the public, the court heard today.

After pleading guilty to manslaughter, Ms Mousley apologised to Miss Sivil's family on Gray's behalf.

She said: "He has deep remorse for the events of February 12, 1998.

"He had no insight into the extent of his own illness."

She added: "He recognises and apologises for the very profound distress he has caused."

Sectioning Gray under the mental health act, Mr Justice Mackay said: "You were very seriously ill at the time you did this dreadful deed, some 10 years ago.

"The force of this illness was such that the responsibility of your actions was reduced from murder to manslaughter.

"You are still significantly mentally ill and I'm satisfied you would be a danger to the public."

Mr Justice Mackay added that he hoped "the greatest care" would be given to considering whether or not Gray was fit for release in the future.

Miss Sivil's sister watched on as the 50-year-old, dressed in a blue blazer and yellow tie, was led away by security guards.

She declined to comment after the hearing.