Man denies murdering girl, 9, stabbed in street

Lilia Valutyte was stabbed while she played in Boston in 2022

A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a nine-year-old girl three years ago, but indicated a guilty plea to her unlawful killing.

Deividas Skebas, 26, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court via video link earlier.

Lilia Valutyte died after being stabbed as she played with a hula hoop in the street outside her mother's shop in Boston, in Lincolnshire, on 28 July 2022.

Mr Skebas, formerly of Thorold Street, Boston, was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned for a further hearing at Lincoln Crown Court on 5 December.

Lilia was confirmed dead shortly after 19:00 BST on the day of the incident, despite the efforts of paramedics and a police officer.

Earlier, when asked to enter a plea, Mr Skebas replied: "I plead not guilty to murder."

However, John McNally, defending, indicated a guilty plea on Mr Skebas's behalf to the manslaughter of Lilia by diminished responsibility.

Christopher Donnellan KC, representing the prosecution, asked for time to consider the guilty plea.

Judge Simon Hirst told Mr Skebas he would face a trial beginning on 27 January if the prosecution still wished to proceed with the murder charge.

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