Boston schoolgirl Lilia Valutyte's killer was mentally unwell, court hears

At Lincoln Crown Court, prosecutors heard that Deividas Skebas admits killing nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte but denies murder, claiming diminished responsibility; three psychiatrists reported he had schizophrenia and showed psychosis on the day of the attack.

A court in Lincoln heard that a man was mentally unwell on the day a nine-year-old girl was killed in Boston, Lincolnshire. The girl, Lilia Valutyte, was attacked on 28 July 2022 while outside a shop. Deividas Skebas, 26, admits killing Lilia but denies murder, saying his responsibility was diminished by his mental state. The trial at Lincoln Crown Court is continuing. Court evidence: - Skebas has pleaded guilty to killing Lilia but denies murder, claiming diminished responsibility. - A joint report by three psychiatrists stated they diagnosed him with schizophrenia and that he showed symptoms of psychosis on the day of the attack. - Prosecutors disputed the defence and told the jury they believe the killing was deliberate and planned. - Police arrested Skebas two days after the incident and the trial is ongoing at Lincoln Crown Court. Summary: The case presents competing accounts about the defendant's mental state and his responsibility for the death. Prosecutors argue the killing was planned while the defence points to diagnosed schizophrenia and psychosis. The jury is considering the evidence and the trial continues.