A juvenile who infiltrated the residence of a British mother in Australia—where another minor fatally stabbed her—has been acquitted of murder.
Emma Lovell, 41, lost her life in North Lakes, Queensland, on Boxing Day in 2022 while defending herself against two assailants.
Earlier this year in May, the teenage perpetrator who admitted guilt regarding her murder was sentenced to 14 years.
The second juvenile, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, did not inflict any stab wounds but faced charges as well.
After a three-day trial presided over solely by the judge at Brisbane’s Supreme Court, Justice Copley determined that the second minor was not guilty of murder, nor of the lesser charge of manslaughter concerning Ms Lovell, and was also found not guilty of malicious acts with intent against her husband Lee, who endured the attack.
He was convicted of burglary and assault.
Ms Lovell, a mother of two who emigrated to Australia from Ipswich in 2011, succumbed to a solitary stab wound to the heart.
The trial involving the second minor focused on whether he was aware that his accomplice was wielding a knife during the break-in.
CCTV footage reportedly presented to Justice Copley depicted the duo approaching the Lovell household. It is alleged that the second juvenile turned to observe his accomplice, who was brandishing the weapon, as reported by Australian broadcaster ABC News.
Read more from Sky News:
Worst floods in Spain’s memory
Russia fines Google more than the world’s entire GDP
However, the judge concluded that the evidence does not satisfy the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt that the second juvenile was aware of or had witnessed the knife at the time they compromised the property.
Mr Lovell expressed his discontent with the trial’s verdict outside the court, telling reporters, as noted by ABC: “We are the ones bearing a life sentence now, while everyone else continues with their lives.”
The sentencing for the second minor is scheduled for December.
