Overview
- A Lincoln Crown Court jury returned a murder verdict after less than a day of deliberation, with sentencing set for 25 February.
- Skebas admitted killing the nine-year-old but sought a manslaughter finding on diminished responsibility, which the jury declined.
- Evidence included a paring-knife purchase two days before the attack and CCTV of him circling the scene, waiting to strike, then fleeing and changing his appearance while seeking money to leave the country.
- The court heard he has schizophrenia and was transferred to Rampton Hospital in December 2022, with testimony describing delusional claims after the killing.
- A statement from Lilia’s mother was read in court, prompting visible emotion from jurors and staff.