A MURDERER faces a prison sentence running into “double figures” after admitting a burglary where he was armed with a knife, hammer and masking tape – and which he committed while on life licence for killing a retired teacher.

Jason Soal, 38, committed the offence when out on licence after a brutal murder in 1991, where he entered a house, smashed a cupboard drawer over the head of his victim, tied him up with an extension lead and strangled him with a telephone cable.

Soal, of Holly Road, Risca, served 12 years of a life sentence after admitting charges of murder and robbery in September 1992. He was released on life licence in 2004.

The then-17-year-old Soal, along with another man, had gone to the home of a retired teacher in Llanbradach, planning to steal his £2,000 car. But they then entered his home, dragged him upstairs to his bedroom and killed him.

They took his car, spending the night in Gloucester, before returning to Gwent and spending the next day using the £45 they’d stolen to drink in Cwmcarn pubs.

Soal appeared at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday, with Christopher Chapman, 34, of Lansbury Avenue, Cefn Hengoed.

Both men admitted aggravated burglary – that they went to Brynhyfryd, Pontlottyn, armed with a knife, hammer and masking tape on November 7 last year.

A manhunt was launched for Soal soon after the incident, with Gwent Police warning people not to approach him in an appeal in the Argus.

He was arrested on November 26, the offence putting him in breach of his licence.

Both men denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Lee Evans; and Soal pleaded not guilty to battery of Paula Williams on the same day. These charges will lie on the file and not be proceeded with.

Soal’s defence barrister John Ryan asked for a quick sentencing. Mr Ryan said: “He was on licence after a murder when he committed the offence, so it will attract a significant sentence, perhaps into double figures. Given the sentence he is likely to be given, there is little need for a pre-sentence report.”

Both men were remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on June 13.