A teenager implicated in the death of a British mother during a home invasion in Australia has admitted to the charge of murder.
Emma Lovell, aged 41, reportedly suffered stab wounds while confronting two intruders in Brisbane on Boxing Day in 2022.
She had relocated from Ipswich in 2011 with her daughters and her husband Lee, who was also injured during the incident.
The two individuals, who were 17 years old at the time and cannot be named due to legal reasons, were charged with four offenses each.
In the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday, the teenager accused of wielding the knife in the assault admitted guilt to burglary, committing a malicious act, and assault resulting in bodily harm for stabbing Mr. Lovell.
Now 18 years old, he was detained in custody and is scheduled for sentencing in May. The other teenager has yet to enter any pleas.
Originally from Hasketon, Suffolk, Emma Lovell relocated to Australia in pursuit of a “better life” for her family, as her brother David Angel previously stated to the BBC.
The alleged attack has sparked community outrage and was one of several incidents that prompted Queensland to controversially implement stricter laws regarding youth crime.
Mr Lovell was in court on Monday but did not speak to media. He has previously described his wife as the “glue” that held their household together, and last year told the BBC he missed “everything” about her.
“She was just such a hardworking person and such a wonderful mum, she was funny as well but shy with it and she was just really great to be around.”
He added that their two daughters – who were 13 and 15 when the alleged attack occurred – were now his main focus.
“The kids, the house, I’ve been trying to be the best parent I can be. It’s all on me.”