Queen's pilot 'will admit to murder and sex attacks'

The lawyer for a military commander who flew the Queen and other dignitaries around Canada said yesterday that his client will plead guilty to murder, sexual assaults and dozens of breaking and entering charges.

Col Russell Williams was the commander of Canada's largest Air Force base until he was charged this year with the murder of two women, the sexual assault of two others and 82 break-ins, during which he stole women's panties.

In 2005, Williams was pictured with the Queen and Prince Philip on the front page of the newspaper of Canadian Forces Base Trenton while he served as their pilot during a visit.

Michael Edelson, Williams' lawyer, told a judge that Williams intends to plead guilty to all the charges. Williams appeared at the hearing but did not speak. He is charged with the first-degree murder of Jessica Lloyd, 27, whose body was found in February, and Marie Comeau, a 38-year-old corporal under his command who was found dead in her home last November. Both were asphyxiated.