Woman in court over murder of seven-year-old girl stabbed to death in front of her parents
A 30-year-old woman accused of the Mother’s Day murder of a seven-year-old girl who was stabbed to death in front of her parents has appeared in court.
Eltiona Skana, 30, is charged with the murder of Emily Jones, who was attacked as she rode her scooter in Queen’s Park, Bolton, on 22 March.
An inquest heard she had been stabbed in the neck.
Jones was taken to Salford Royal Hospital but pronounced dead on the same afternoon.
Skana, who is from Albania, is also charged with possession of a bladed weapon and appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Monday.
Her barrister, Simon Czoka QC, asked that his client not be asked to enter a plea.
Skana, wearing a white sweater and gilet, did not speak at the plea and trial preparation hearing.
Her father Mark Jones was in court for the hearing.
At the time of her death, her parents said: “Emily was seven-years-old, our only child and the light of our lives.
“She was always full of joy, love and laughter.
“Emily had such a cheeky smile and was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart as big as her smile.”
Another hearing is scheduled for 6 November.
