Distressed girl accused of murdering woman

A 13-year-old girl on trial for the fatal stabbing of a woman was experiencing a severe mental health disorder that may have hindered her ability to make rational decisions, a clinical psychologist told the court.

Marta Bednarczyk, 43, was killed and her body set on fire in a Wellingborough, Northamptonshire home on 10 March. Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, an expert witness, stated that the disorder significantly affected the teenagers understanding of her actions. The girl, whose identity is protected due to her age, denies murder, claiming diminished responsibility due to mental illness.

During her testimony at Lincoln Crown Court, the teenager admitted to hearing voices instructing her to harm others in the months leading up to the incident. She also revealed that she had visited a graphic website showing executions and other violent acts out of curiosity. Ms. Bednarczyk suffered more than 140 stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sir Simon described his assessment of the defendant, noting she was sometimes smiling and highly communicative. He reported that she displayed multiple medical conditions, including a dissociative disorder. Regarding the voices, he said they likely contributed to the attack, as the girl believed she was in danger and felt compelled to act against the perceived threat.

Answering questions from defense lawyer Mary Prior KC, Sir Simon explained that the disorders symptoms are extremely distressing and concluded that the teenager experienced abnormal mental functioning at the time of the stabbing. He further stated that this disorder impaired her understanding of her actions, her rational judgment, and her self-control.

When asked whether the disorder could explain her behavior during the attack, Sir Simon confirmed that it played a significant role in causing her actions. The teenager denied any intention to kill, countering claims from the prosecution that the killing had nothing to do with her mental health.

The prosecutor previously noted that the reasons behind the killing might never be fully understood, highlighting the tragic nature of the case.

Author: Lucas Grant