Teenager ‘accepts responsibility’ for killing teacher

A teenager accused of murdering teacher Ann Maguire in her classroom has “accepted responsibility for the unlawful killing”, a court has heard.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video link at Leeds Crown Court accused of stabbing the 61-year-old teacher to death at Corpus Christi Catholic College, in Leeds, in April.

No pleas were entered during the 10-minute hearing but Richard Wright QC, defending, said: “He has accepted responsibility for the unlawful killing of the deceased”.

“The issue in the case will be whether or not a partial defence is available to him.”

Paul Greaney QC, prosecuting, said: “It does not amount to an admission he is guilty of murder. It does amount to an admission he’s guilty of manslaughter.”