Collar bomb hoaxer pleads guilty

The man accused of strapping a fake bomb around the neck of 18-year-old Madeline Pulver at her home in the Australian city of Sydney has admitted the charges against him.

Madeleine's family says they can finally put the failed extortion plot behind them.

SOUNDBITE: Bill Pulver, father of Madeleine, saying (English):

"Throughout this experience we have been constantly reminded of the love and support that has been shown to our family. A poor decision by one man has prompted a truly extraordinary and inspiring response from many thousands of people and we will be forever grateful. Thank you very much."

Paul Douglas Peters, seen here after his arrest in the United States, appeared in court via videolink.

He pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the Pulver's home, and committing a serious indictable offence.

Peters broke into the Pulver's home last August and strapped a device around Madeleine's neck he said was a bomb he could detonate remotely.

He left a ransom note and reportedly told the frightened teenager could monitor her conversations through a microphone fitted to the collar.

The device, which did not contain explosives, was removed hours later by security personnel.

Peters, an investment banker with links to Bill Pulver's company, was arrested in the U.S. state of Kentucky.

He did not contest his extradition to Australia.

He is due to be sentenced next week, and faces up to 20 years in jail.

Paul Chapman, Reuters