Woman admits killing Nattalie Muir in Whitburn
A 20-year-old woman has admitted stabbing a "devoted" young mother to death in Whitburn, West Lothian.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Emma Merrilees pled guilty to murdering Nattalie Muir, 21, who was found fatally injured in Brucefield Drive.
Ms Muir, from Bathgate, who had a two-year-old daughter, died in hospital after the stabbing on 11 December.
No details of the incident were given as two other accused are still awaiting trial.
George Stewart, 34, from West Calder and a 15-year-old boy from Whitburn - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - deny murder and attempting to cover up the killing by disposing of weapons and clothing.
Another woman, Samantha Stewart, 21, from Breich, walked free when her not guilty pleas to both charges were accepted by the Crown.
George Stewart and the teenager are due back in court later this month for a judge to decide the next step. Merrilees will not be sentenced until their case has been dealt with.
After Ms Muir's death, her father Callum, 41, issued a statement describing her as "a beautiful and loving daughter".
He said the murder had devastated the family and they were struggling to come to terms with their loss.
"She was a devoted mother to daughter Paige and was adored by everyone who knew her," added Mr Muir.
Merrilees had also been accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by hiding clothes and weapons but her not guilty plea to that charge was accepted.