Iraqi man admits to killing German designer

An Iraqi man admitted at the start of his murder trial on Wednesday to throttling flamboyant German fashion designer Rudolph Moshammer, known as much for his eccentric wig and pet dog as his creations.

Herisch Ali Abdullah, 25, acknowledged under questioning he had slung a cable around Moshammer's neck after an argument in the designer's villa and left him groaning on the floor.

Abdullah initially said he could not remember the fateful January night, but finally answered "Yes" when asked if the judge's description of events was correct.

Moshammer, 64, was reported to have had clients over the years ranging from actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Chamberlain to singer Jose Carreras. Prosecutors say Moshammer picked up Abdullah near Munich's central railway station for sexual favours and the two later argued because Abdullah wanted money before fulfilling all the designer's wishes.

Moshammer abruptly locked all the villa's doors and demanded sex, leading to an argument, Abdullah said.