John Broadhurst, 40, was part way through his murder trial at Birmingham Crown Court when he changed his plea to guilty
A MILLIONAIRE property tycoon has admitted killing his lover after a cocaine-fuelled S&M sex session at their £600,000 home.
John Broadhurst, 40, was part way through his murder trial at Birmingham Crown Court when he today plead guilty to battering Natalie Connolly, 26, to death.
A court heard the couple had spent a day drinking alcohol and taking cocaine before engaging in "rough sex" on December 18, 2016.
The mum-of-one's body was discovered wearing only a black skirt which was pulled up to her waist at the couple's house in Kinver, West Mids.
She in a pool of blood at the base of the staircase having suffered over 40 injuries - including blunt-force trauma to her head, buttocks and breast.
Natalie had also suffered horrific internal injuries which were inflicted during a bizarre sex game involving a bottle of carpet cleaner.
Jurors were told how Broadhurst may have wanted to "teach Natalie a lesson" after finding out she had been sending topless pictures to another man on social media.
Broadhurst, a property developer with a fortune of around £15 million, went on trial last month charged with murder and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
Today he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of gross negligence having left her body at the foot of the stairs without contacting emergency services.
Wearing a blue suit and a white shirt, Broadhurst remained emotionless as he sat in the dock during the hearing.
Mr Justice Julian Knowles instructed the jury to find Broadhurst not guilty on the charges of murder and GBH.
He granted the businessman bail but warned that he should expected a custodial sentence.
The trial was told how Natalie called Broadhurst "the boss" and the pair would regularly enjoy S&M sex sessions during which he would smack her bottom with a belt.
The couple first started an affair while Broadhurst was in a relationship with his pregnant long term partner before eventually getting together in July 2016.
But the court heard Natalie, a receptionist, had been sending another man photos of her wearing underwear and messaging her ex-boyfriend.
Prosecutors alleged the property developer may have found out about this and killed her in a rage before spraying her face with bleach to clean off the blood.
Mr Mason told the jury previously how Natalie's fatal injuries were consistent with "punch or toe-poke kicks".
He added:"Broadhurst has lost it with Natalie that night.
"He has beaten her with fists and weapons, punched or kicked her to the face, severely damaged her private parts and lied about it afterwards to cover his tracks."
Earlier on that day, the couple had spent the afternoon drinking after watching West Bromwich Albion play Manchester United before going for a curry.
They were taken home in a chauffeur-driven Range Rover where the party continued in the kitchen and the pair consumed more alcohol and about two grams of cocaine.
Broadhurst claimed Natalie later indicated that she wanted to have masochistic sex - and he had found her dead at the foot of the stairs the following morning.
Post-mortem analysis found she died from her injuries in conjunction with alcohol intoxication and was more than five times the drink-drive limit.
During the trial Natalie was described by pals as "a free spirit" who was "full of fun" and "always the life and soul of the party."
Broadhurst, of Wolverley, Worcs., will be sentenced on December 17.
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