One of three people accused of murdering Lower Hutt man Matthew Stevens has pleaded guilty.

Stuart Wilton entered his plea in the High Court in Wellington this morning.

The body of 32-year-old Matthew Stevens was found near his car on Paekakariki Hill Road in November last year.

He'd been stabbed and beaten to death.

Two others accused of his murder, Kelly Crook and Darrin Wilkie-Morris pleaded not guilty to the charge, and are expected to go on trial early next year.

Stuart Wilton will be sentenced later this month.