Husband of murdered woman calls for life sentence

The husband of a British woman killed during a break-in at her home in Australia has called for her teenage killer to be jailed for life.

In 2022, Emma Lovell, 41, originally from Hasketon, Suffolk, died after being stabbed in the heart at her home in North Lakes, Brisbane, on Boxing Day night.

According to ABC News, a teenage boy pleaded guilty to her murder in March and a sentencing hearing has begun this week. Another boy also faced charges but has not yet entered a plea.

Husband Lee Lovell, who was also stabbed twice during the incident, told the Supreme Court in Brisbane: "It would be nice to see justice prevail and see the accused locked up for a life sentence."

The court heard the couple had been woken up by their dogs before they confronted the teenagers who had been breaking into their house.

Security footage was shown to the court where the two teenagers can be seen entering the house. The teen being sentenced is seen holding a knife.

Less than a minute later, the teens are seen emerging from a door frame while engaged in a struggle with Ms Lovell and her husband.

The video footage then changed to the front yard where the couple remain lying on the grass while the two boys flee.

An audio recording, captured by a neighbour's security camera, was also played where noises can be heard, including swearing, and screams from Ms Lovell.

The court heard the boy, who was just shy of turning 18, had a criminal history, and had broken into 16 properties.

Prosecutor David Nardone told the court the teenager facing sentencing had never used violence in prior offending, but his use of the knife showed an escalation.

He said: "He uses the knife, and he uses it repeatedly.

"There was premeditation."

Mr Nardone submitted the offending should be considered as particularly heinous and come with a sentence of up to, and including, life in prison.

If this is not determined, the maximum penalty the teen can receive is 10 years.

The now 19-year-old's lawyer, Scott Lynch, argued against this as "the weapon was used in the context of resistance."

It the witness stand, Mr Lovell told the court his wife did nothing wrong and "we deserve to feel safe in our own home, we were an innocent family".

He said: "The girls and I have had our futures robbed of us."

An impact statement from Ms Lovell's mum, Marjori Dowson, said: "Her death has ruined my life.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to survive or get over the death of my daughter."

The case continues.

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