A teenage girl has pleaded guilty to murdering a 16-year-old in a premeditated knife attack in Leeds, following a dispute over a romantic partner.
Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16, was fatally stabbed in the early hours of 28 March at the residence of Kayla Smith, 18. Smith had initially admitted to manslaughter but denied murder. However, on the second day of her trial at Leeds Crown Court, she changed her plea to guilty.
The court heard that Chloe was taken to Smith's home by her boyfriend, Blake Dowling, 18. Dowling had been in relationships with both Chloe and Smith, and reportedly knew of the animosity between the two young women. Dowling's mother testified that Smith was "jealous and obsessed" with her son's relationship with Chloe.
Dowling and Archie Rycroft, 20, who followed Smith to the scene, are also charged with murder and manslaughter. Their trial is ongoing.
Mr Justice Cavanagh KC, the presiding judge, informed Smith that the only sentence available for murder is life imprisonment. He will determine the minimum term she must serve after the trial concludes.
The case has shocked the local community and highlighted concerns about knife crime among young people. Police have not released further details at this time.
This is a developing story. More information will be published as it becomes available.
