A MAN accused of murdering an Essex University student freely admitted doing it, a court heard.

Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found dead on a Thai island in September.

Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin, both 22, deny rape, robbery and two counts of murder.

Lawyer Pittaya Yaipetch claimed Lin admitted following and attacking the British couple on the beach on Koh Tao on September 15, with alleged accomplice Phyo.

The lawyer claimed Lin admitted hitting Mr Miller with a garden hoe more than once, while Phyo punched Miss Witheridge unconscious before raping her.

Mr Yaipetch also claimed Lin freely admitted hitting Miss Witheridge in the face with the hoe when she began regaining consciousness before raping her and then hitting her with the hoe again so she would die and could not identify them.

The suspects claim they were tortured and threatened into confessing .

Zaw Lin was later taken to hospital with chest and wrist injuries the authorities could not explain.

Hannah Witheridge, 23, who was living in Morant Road, Colchester, was studying foramaster’s degree at the Wivenhoe campus.

She had gone backpacking, where she met David Miller, 24, from Jersey.

! The trial, on the neighbouring island of Koh Samui, continues.