DUP assembly member Jim Wells has said he feels "relieved" after a woman admitted to wasting police time by making false statements against him.
Dorothy Elaine Dawn Gardner (49), of Killycanavan Road in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, had alleged the South Down MLA had made homophobic comments about same sex marriage at an election hustings event on April 23, 2015.
She had originally pleaded not guilty but changed her plea at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Monday where she pleaded to "knowingly making a false report or statement".
Deputy district judge Neil Rafferty adjourned sentencing until August 25 to allow for pre-sentence reports.
Mr Wells stood down as health minister soon after the controversy. Following the hustings, Ms Gardner made a formal complaint to police.
The subsequent investigation later cleared Mr Wells. Officers also found Ms Gardner had not even attended the hustings.
In a statement on Monday the veteran unionist politician called for a public apology from Ms Gardner and those who "sought to destroy" his public reputation.
Following the court hearing Mr Wells said his career and reputation had been "destroyed" by the false reports.
"As a result of these I was forced to resign as Health Minister and suffered months of online abuse," he said.
He said a full transcript and video of his speech proved he had never made the alleged remarks.
"I am relieved by today's guilty plea as it represents a first (but major) step towards my total vindication," he said.
"It is the first a series of court cases which I have instigated in order to clear my name and restore my reputation."
