A man who stabbed his long-term partner to death at their home is likely be sent to a psychiatric unit for treatment.

Raymond Page, 64, today pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Natividad Nituan at the maisonette in Orchard Close, Radlett, on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

His plea of not guilty to the murder to his Filipino partner of 25 years was accepted by prosecutor Peter Shaw at St Albans Crown Court.

Mr Shaw said: "In light of the defendant's psychiatric state, the plea is acceptable to the crown."

He said victim impact statements will be obtained before the sentencing hearing.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the couple's one-bed maisonette just after 9am on the morning of July 25 by Mr Page himself.

Ms Nituan, 70, was found dead in the bedroom.

Philip Evans, defending, said Mr Page, who has cancer, was due to be transferred from Peterborough prison to a hospital in Norwich for treatment. He appeared in court via a video link.

Judge Andrew Bright QC adjourned sentence until January 9 He said that consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Philip Joseph had examined Mr Page and recommended that he is sentenced to a Section 41 Order under the Mental Health Act.

As well as hearing from a psychiatrist at the sentencing hearing, the judge said he would also require a medical report outlining the state of Mr Page's cancer.