Man pleads guilty to murdering Microsoft manager, 44, who was found drowned in the Thames beside a Henley members' club

Nelio Gouveia, 45, of Phyllis Court Drive, Henley-on-Thames, pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday to murdering Jennifer Symonds on 6 March, bowing his head throughout the brief hearing and speaking only quietly to enter his plea through a Portuguese interpreter. Symonds, a senior customer success account manager at Microsoft's UK headquarters in Reading, was found in the River Thames beside Phyllis Court Club, a private members' club. Three of her friends in the public gallery appeared emotional and relieved as Gouveia admitted the killing.

Sentencing is set for 20 November and has been reserved for High Court judge Mr Justice Jay, a step normally taken only in the most serious murder cases.

A post-mortem confirmed Symonds died from drowning; Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit led the investigation after being called to Phyllis Court Drive that March morning.

Detective Inspector Rob Underhill said Gouveia's actions were 'heinous' and confirmed he was pleased the defendant had spared the family a trial.