Vincent Stanford pleads guilty to murdering NSW teacher Stephanie Scott

School cleaner Vincent Stanford has pleaded guilty to murdering Leeton high school teacher Stephanie Scott.

The 26-year-old woman was killed in April last year, just days before her wedding.

In the NSW Supreme Court today Stanford, 25, admitted to raping and murdering Ms Scott.

Stanford appeared via video-link from Sydney's Long Bay jail. 

The 25-year old had a calm, steady voice as he uttered the word “guilty” to both charges.

Ms Scott's family was present in the courtroom to hear the plea.

Prosecutor Lee Carr said she was satisfied with the hearing.

“I’m just pleased this part is resolved for the family,” Ms Carr said.

Leeton Mayor Paul Maytom expressed “relief” for Ms Scott’s family.

"Obviously it means they don't have to go through a lengthy traumatic court hearings in the future,” Mr Maytom said.

Ms Scott was reported missing after she visited Leeton High School on April 5, Easter Sunday, where she was an English and drama teacher. 

She had been preparing lessons for a relief teacher, who would fill in while Ms Scott was away on her honeymoon in Tahiti.

At midday, Ms Scott sent an email to a bus company confirming transport for the guests to her wedding the following weekend.

When she failed to return home that evening, her fiancé Aaron Leeson-Woolley reported her missing.

The family and police immediately said the disappearance was out of character.

Her body was discovered in a burned patch of scrub in the Cocoparra National Park on April 10, the day before she had planned to walk down the aisle with her childhood sweetheart.

Stanford was charged with her murder three days later.

In March his twin brother, Marcus Stanford, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact.

Police allege Marcus “assisted” his brother in the days and weeks following Ms Scott’s death, including receiving items belonging to her.

Vincent Stanford’s case has now been adjourned to Griffith for a sentencing hearing on October 10.