Killer Michael O'Neill having problems talking about murder of partner Stuart Ratttle, court hears

Michael O'Neill (left) and Stuart Rattle. Photo: Supplied

The man who killed his partner of 16 years, well-known interiordesigner Stuart Rattle, is having problems talking about the murder, acourt has heard.

Defence barrister Ruth Shann said Michael Anthony O'Neill, 48, wasreceiving psychological treatment in prison but was havingdifficulties talking about aspects of the case "without becomingdistressed".

O'Neill appeared briefly in the Supreme Court on Wednesday toformally plead guilty to one count of murder and one count of arson.

When asked what was his profession, O'Neill stood in the dock andsaid, "I worked in the interior design business".

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Ms Shann said the defence needed time before O'Neill's pre-sentencehearing to take proper instructions from him and for a psychologicalreport to be prepared.

Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth agreed to list the two-day hearing fromDecember 15.

Mr Rattle's body was found in the couple's burnt-out South Yarra flaton the night of December 8 last year but police believe O'Neill killedhis partner early on the morning of December 4.

O'Neill admitted taking a saucepan from the kitchen early that morningand striking Mr Rattle over the head before strangling him with anylon dog lead.

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Killer Michael O'Neill having problems talking about murder of partner Stuart Ratttle, court hears