A COWDENBEATH man has been convicted after admitting his actions led to the death of Kirkcaldy woman Jennifer Edwards.

William Marshall, 43, pleaded guilty at Glasgow High Court on Thursday, to culpable homicide.

He admitted that he was responsible for the death of Jennifer Edwards, 45, in Kirkcaldy, on Sunday, June 14, 2015.

He pleaded guilty that between June 8 and 14 he killed Ms Edwards by 'inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body by means unkown.'

Jennifer suffered a fatal head injury which led to her death. She was later discovered in her home in the town's Deas Wharf.

Jennifer had been a victim of domestic abuse.

Marshall will be sentenced on Thursday, November 24 at Glasgow High Court.

Jennifer's death was initially treated as unexplained, but it was in September 2015 that police detained Marshall after a lengthy inquiry.

Marshall had been charged with assaulting her on several occasions during a five year relationship prior to the killing.

Gordon Martin QC, defending, told Thursday's hearing that Marshall's recollection of the attack that caused the death was that he had pushed her causing her to bang her head.

The High Court was told that Jennifer had told friends that she was concerned about Marshall's violence .

Indeed, she said that she was frightened that one day he might kill her.

It was between June 8 and 14 that Jennifer did not turn up for a dinner reservation to celebrate her birthday.

Later Marshall claimed, after he had called 999, he had come home and found Jennifer lying on the floor and not breathing.

Marshall was remanded in custody after Thursday's High Court hearing and will be sentenced in three weeks time.

Detective Inspector David Pinkney of the Scottish Police Service's Major Investigation Team said: “Jennifer was a highly intelligent and articulate woman who was well regarded in her local community.

“Despite these attributes, Jennifer still became a victim of domestic abuse.

"Her death shows that anyone can become affected by such violence and behaviour and that it happens in all sections of society."

He added: “I want to thank Jennifer’s family for their support throughout this period and I hope that Marshall’s conviction will give them the closure they need to move forward with their lives.”

Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan, of National Safer Communities added: "Our sympathies remain with Jennifer's family and friends at this difficult time. Tackling the scourge of domestic abuse in our communities is a complex issue not only for Police Scotland but for our partner agencies.

"By its nature, it is a largely hidden crime that mainly occurs behind closed doors and in private.

“I would urge anyone who is the victim of domestic abuse to come forward. All complaints received are thoroughly investigated by dedicated enquiry teams, who provide specialist support to victims and target offenders to bring them to justice.”