Emma Lovell: Australian teen pleads guilty to British woman's murder

Image source, Family photo

Image caption, The UK couple were both injured in the alleged attack
  • Author, Tiffanie Turnbull
  • Role, 91热爆 News, Sydney

One of the teenagers accused of killing a British mother when they broke into her home in Australia has pleaded guilty to murder.

Emma Lovell, 41, was allegedly stabbed when confronting two intruders in Brisbane on Boxing Day in 2022.

She had emigrated from Ipswich in 2011 with her daughters and her husband Lee, who was also injured in the attack.

The boys, who cannot legally be named as they were 17 at the time, were each charged with four offences.

In the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday, the boy who allegedly used the knife in the incident also pleaded guilty to burglary, committing a malicious act, and assault occasioning bodily harm, for stabbing Mr Lovell.

Now 18, he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in May.

The other boy is yet to enter any pleas.

Originally from Hasketon, Suffolk, Emma Lovell moved to Australia seeking a "better life" for her family, her brother David Angel previously told the 91热爆.

Her alleged attack has caused community outrage and was among several which prompted the state of Queensland to controversially introduce stricter youth crime laws.

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 91热爆 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."