A Tauranga builder accused of murdering his wife has pleaded guilty in the High Court at Rotorua this morning.
Rex Leverett John Prole, 64, is charged with murdering 57-year-old Robyn Prole, also known as Robyn Anne Phipps, whose body was found lying near the entrance to her home in Bell St, Judea on July 20, 2012.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Mrs Prole, a Brookfield Primary School teacher, died as a result of a single stab wound.
Mrs Prole was a teacher aide, helping children at Brookfield Primary School learning English as a second language.
Principal Robert Hyndman said Mrs Prole had been at the school for 12 years and developed strong links with Tauranga's Indian community in that time.
"She was a very gentle, caring person and had a very generous spirit. She would do whatever she could for people," Mr Hyndman said last year.
"Robyn would not hurt a fly. She was always 'the cup is half full', always very positive in her outlook, that kind of person."
Prole will appear in court for sentencing on 23 May.
An application for a protection order against Prole had been made by the victim at the time of the stabbing.
- Bay of Plenty Times
