Parents of girl, 7, stabbed to death in park are in ‘unimaginable pain’ says judge as woman appears in court for murder
A JUDGE has paid tribute to the heartbroken dad of a seven-year-old girl stabbed to death in a park as her alleged killer appeared in court today.
Richard Mansell said the family of Emily Jones had suffered “unimaginable loss” after she was brutally knifed in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on Mother's Day.
Eltiona Skana, 30, was charged with the youngster’s murder and appeared via video-link for a hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
Wearing a black and white Adidas tracksuit top and clutching a tissue, she spoke only her name from Rampton Hospital, Nottinghamshire.
Judge Mansell told Emily’s father, Mark Jones, at the end of the three-minute hearing: "I am going to say something to you personally.
I cannot imagine the pain you and your wife are going through at the moment.
Judge Richard Mansell
“I cannot imagine the pain you and your wife are going through at the moment.
“You have my personal and deepest sympathy as well as the sympathy of everyone involved in the court process.
"I did not want you just to sit there and listen to the mechanical processes of the court.
"You have my deepest sympathy for your unimaginable loss."
KNIFE MURDER
Skana, originally from Albania, is accused of murdering Emily when she was with her parents on the afternoon of Sunday March 22.
The defendant was arrested at the scene in Queen's Park, Bolton, and later detained under the Mental Health Act.
Emily died shortly after the apparently random attack, which was witnessed by her dad.
Skana is also charged with an offence of possession of a blade in a public place - a craft knife - on the same date.
MOST READ IN NEWS
Remanding the defendant in custody, District Judge Jack McGarva told the hearing today:"This court cannot deal with one of the charges, the murder charge - that must be heard by a judge and jury at crown court.
"I will send that matter to Manchester Crown Court today.
"The associated offence will be sent as an associated matter. You will be remanded into custody."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.