Man admits killing 'beautiful' Italian couple found dead in flat

Man admits killing ‘beautiful’ Italian couple found dead in flat where 20-year-old girlfriend was visiting her partner for Christmas

• Bodies of Antonino Calabra and Francesca Di Dio were found on December 21

A man has admitted killing a ‘beautiful’ Italian couple, who were found dead in a flat after meeting up for Christmas.

The bodies of Antonino Calabro, known as Nino, and his girlfriend, Francesca Di Dio, were discovered by police in an apartment in Thornaby, North Yorkshire, on December 21, last year.

Andrea Cardinale, 22, appeared at Teesside Crown Court today to face two murder charges.

Dressed in a grey t-shirt, he replied: ‘Not guilty to murder, but guilty to manslaughter, by reason of diminished responsibility.’

Prosecutor Nick Dry said that the crown accepted Cardinale’s pleas.

The bodies of Antonino Calabro, known as Nino (left), and his girlfriend, Francesca Di Dio (right), were discovered by police in an apartment in Thornaby, North Yorkshire, on December 21, last year

The families of Mr Calabro, 26, and Ms Di Dio, 20, had called the police after not being able to contact them.

After their deaths, well-wishers laid flowers outside the block of flats, which was previously The Royal George pub.

Mr Calabro had reportedly been living in England for three years and worked at Grosvenor Casino in Stockton. It is thought that Ms Di Dio, to whom he was reportedly engaged, was visiting him for the holidays.

Tributes were paid to the ‘beautiful’ couple and a Go Fund Me page, set up by friends of Mr Calabro, was launched. 

The online fundraising page states: ‘Nino was the most beautiful of souls who lit up any room, with a smile and personality that stole the hearts of anyone he met.

‘As a family and a community we are totally devastated and shocked by the loss of our beloved friend and have set up this fund in his memory to ease some of the pressures his parents now face.’

Touching messages were also left on cards for the pair including messages such as ‘fly high’ and ‘ciao bello’. 

After their deaths, well-wishers laid flowers outside the block of flats, which was previously The Royal George pub

Heartbreaking tributes have also been paid to the pair online where one friend of Francesca said: ‘I can’t believe this. She was my classmate and school mate and she was such a good girl R.I.P beautiful angel. Together with your love.’

One co-worker said: ‘Such sad news to wake up to this morning. R.I.P Nino Calabrò will always remember you for your amazing customer service and such a big personality. You will be missed by so many and the casino won’t be the same without you.’

Cardinale, of Thornaby Road, listened from prison as Judge Paul Watson KC said that he ‘wholly agreed’ with the crown’s decision to accept the plea, ‘on the relatively clear psychiatric evidence’.

A provisional date of August 15 was set for Cardinale to be sentenced for the double manslaughter. 

Judge Watson said that the date may have to be changed, depending on the doctor’s availability to provide further reports.

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