The boyfriend of Stuart Rattle has pleaded guilty to murdering the renowned interior designer.
Michael O'Neil, 48, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to charges of murder and arson in Melbourne Magistrates Court.
"Yes, Your Honour, I am. I am guilty, Your Honour," O'Neil told magistrate Gerard Lethbridge when asked for a plea.
Mr Rattle's body was found in his burnt-out South Yarra home in December. Police alleged he had been killed days before his body was discovered by firefighters.
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Mr Rattle, who was known for his classic designs and had designed home for many Melbourne families, lived in South Yarra and also owned a farm outside Daylesford.
O'Neil, dressed in a navy blue suit and light blue shirt, was remanded in custody to appear before the Supreme Court on September 17.
Relatives of both men were in court but left without making comment.
More details about the case are expected to be released later on Tuesday.
Source: The Age
