This was published 9 months ago
Teenager accused of killing mother Emma Lovell pleads guilty
By Cloe Read
One of the teenagers charged over the death of mother Emma Lovell on Boxing Day in a home invasion has pleaded guilty to her murder.
Lovell, 41, died from stab wounds after two teenagers allegedly broke into her family’s North Lakes home on December 26, 2022.
Emma and Lee Lovell. Emma was killed and Lee injured during the confrontation at their home.
Her husband, Lee, 43, was also stabbed during the altercation, as the pair tried to defend their home, with their two teenage daughters inside.
Police later charged two 17-year-olds over Lovell’s death.
The death sparked widespread criticism over the handling of young criminals and alleged offenders, and prompted the then-Palaszczuk government to announce a 10-point youth crime plan three days later.
In the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Monday, the teenager, who cannot be named because he was a juvenile at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to Lovell’s murder. He also pleaded guilty to burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm and malicious act with intent.
He was silent as he stood and pleaded guilty to the four offences, and shook his head when asked if there was anything further he would like to add.
The court heard part of his charges related to stabbing Lee in the back, as he attempted to stop the teenager from leaving the property. He also kicked Lee in the face while he was on the ground, causing bruising, the court heard.
Lee was present in the back of the court during the proceedings, and declined to comment after the hearing.
Justice Peter Callaghan considered whether a restorative justice process was appropriate for the teenager, given his age. The court heard Lee had not consented to this.
The teenager was remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for May.
The case of his teenage co-accused is due back in court on Tuesday.