Rex Prole pleads guilty to murder

Rex Leverett John Prole, the Tauranga builder accused of murdering his wife, pleaded guilty to murder in the Rotorua High Court this morning.

The 65-year-old is charged with the murder of 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.

A protection order against Prole was in place at the time of the stabbing.

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.

"Robyn would not hurt a fly. She was always 'the cup is half full', always very positive in her outlook, that kind of person."

Mr Prole will appear in court for sentencing on 23 May.