A MAN pleaded guilty to the murder of his step-mother, the Usk poet Anne Jackson today.

Timothy Jackson, 49, of Mount Street, Sheffield appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today.

Mrs Jackson, who wrote under the name Anne Cluysenaar, was found dead at her home on Little Wentwood Farm, in Wentwood, near Llantrisant on November 1.

Jackson, who appeared via video link wearing a grey jumper, spoke only to confirm his name and plead guilty to murder.

He was represented by Roger Thomas QC and Michael Jones who agreed with Andrew Taylor, prosecuting, that the knife used was a ‘household knife’ belonging to Mr and Mrs Jackson and was picked up by Jackson at the home during the course of the incident.

Judge Neil Bidder said sentencing will take place on Thursday March 26 at Cardiff Crown Court following reports from counsel and medical authorities.

He ordered that Jackson be produced for the sentencing.

“It is a public matter and in this court it is important that the defendant should be seen in court,” he said.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Roger Fortey said: “Anne Jackson was brutally attacked at her home and received severe injuries which tragically proved fatal. Her stepson Timothy Jackson was arrested on suspicion of her murder citing an argument as the cause of his violent actions.

“Our thoughts remain with Mrs Jackson’s family and friends at this no doubt very difficult time. Although today’s admission of guilt will not ease their pain or sense of loss, I hope it will provide a little comfort to them as they move on with their lives.”

Belgian-born Mrs Jackson, who published her last collection of poems earlier this year, lived at the farm with husband of 39 years, Walt Jackson, after moving to Monmouthshire more than 25 years ago.

The literary world paid tribute to the well-respected poet and retired lecturer recognised for her long-standing contribution to literature, both locally and nationally.

Among the many tributes paid to Mrs Jackson was one from Literature Wales – a society for Writers of Wales – which said the esteemed poet and Fellow of The Welsh Academy will be “sorely missed”.