"This deliberate murder was clearly a wicked act. He knew his co[ntrol over his actions]. The Crown's case emphasized that despite Skebas's mental health struggles, he possessed the capacity to understand what he was doing, had deliberately attempted to avoid detection following the attack, and had intended to flee the country, demonstrating premeditation and consciousness of guilt."
"She should have been safe. She was playing in a pedestrianised area and just yards away from her mum. Mr Justice Choudhury's sentencing remarks highlighted that Lilia Valutyte, described as a happy and lively girl, was in a protected environment when attacked, emphasizing the shocking violation of a child's safety in a public space."
"Skebas had been a user of drugs, including cannabis and amphetamines, which would likely worsen his schizophrenia. The judge noted that Skebas's substance abuse history compounded his mental health condition, contributing to the deterioration of his psychological state and the circumstances surrounding the offense."
Deividas Skebas, 26, fatally stabbed nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte in Boston, Lincolnshire on July 28, 2022, while she played with a hula hoop outside her mother's shop. Though Skebas pleaded guilty to manslaughter citing diminished responsibility due to schizophrenia, a jury convicted him of murder on February 5. The court determined that despite his mental health diagnosis, Skebas understood his actions, attempted to evade detection, and intended to flee the country. He claimed to be controlled by NASA. The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum 25-year term, noting Skebas's drug use likely exacerbated his schizophrenia. The judge emphasized the child should have been safe in the pedestrianized area near her mother.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]