Albanian woman, 30, pleads guilty to stabbing seven-year-old girl to death in front of her horrified solicitor mum on Mother's Day in 'random' attack - but denies murder
An Albanian woman has pleaded guilty to stabbing seven-year-old Emily Jones to death in a 'random' attack in front of her her horrified parents on Mother's day - but denies murder.
Eltiona Skana, 30, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful killing during a brief hearing when she appeared at Manchester Crown Court via videolink.
Emily, seven, was stabbed to death as she visited Queen's Park in Bolton with her parents on March 22.
The only child of solicitor Sarah Barnes and credit manager Mark Jones died shortly after the attack, which was previously described as 'unprovoked and random'
Emily Jones' parents witnessed their seven-year-old daughter being stabbed to death in Queen's Park, Bolton, on Mother's Day. Today Eltiona Skana, 30, pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful killing
Appearing at today's hearing via videolink, Skana was accompanied by a member of her legal team.
Skana, originally from Albania, pleaded not guilty to an alternative charge of the murder of the youngster on March 22 at Queen's Park in Bolton.
Michael Brady, prosecuting, asked the judge, Mr Justice Henshaw to adjourn the hearing for seven days for prosecution lawyers to consider the plea.
Mr Justice Henshaw agreed to the adjournment, adding that the matter would proceed on the basis of a 'full blown trial', scheduled to begin on November 23.
An inquest earlier this year heard little Emily was with her parents when she was fatally stabbed on March 22.
The inquest heard that a woman stabbed her in the neck, causing a catastrophic injury.
Emily was rushed to nearby Salford Royal Hospital, but was tragically pronounced dead at 3.56pm despite the best efforts of medics who fought to save her life.
Skana was arrested on suspicion of Emily's murder and detained ever since.
Speaking at a previous hearing, Judge Richard Mansell QC, addressed Emily's father, saying: 'I'm going to say something to you personally. I can't imagine the pain you and your wife are going through at the moment.
'You have my personal, deepest sympathy and I'm sure the deepest sympathy of everyone involved in the court process.
'This case is clearly one that has a high priority.
'You have my deepest sympathy for what is an unimaginable loss.'
In a moving tribute just days after her daughter's loss, Emily's mother Sarah Barnes set up a fundraising page.
Police carried out a search of Queen's Park on March 23, the day after Emily Jones was stabbed to death in front of her parents. Her mother, Sarah Barnes described the seven-year-old as a 'beautiful, intelligent girl'
The page, which has received more than £20,000 in donations, reads: 'Emily was only 7 years old. Emily was such a happy, bubbly, beautiful and intelligent girl. An absolute joy to spend time with.
'Emily was extremely sporty and adventurous, with so much energy. She packed so much into her short life. Emily loved to play tennis, she had swimming lessons, learned to horse ride.
'Nothing phased Emily at all, and as such she looked forward to visiting the climbing walls in Keswick and loved hiking.'
Mr Jones attended today's hearing, while Ms Barnes did not.
A further hearing is expected in the next seven days.