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Lilia Valutyte: Man appears in court charged with murder of girl, 9, stabbed as she played in street

Deividas Skebas, 22, spoke only to confirm his details at two-minute hearing

Josh Payne
Monday 01 August 2022 12:55 BST
Deividas Skebas arrives at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Monday
Deividas Skebas arrives at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Monday (PA)

A man accused of murdering a nine-year-old girl who was found stabbed in the street has been remanded into custody by a district judge.

Deividas Skebas was arrested on Saturday after a CCTV appeal following the death of Lilia Valutyte in Boston, Lincolnshire, on Thursday.

The 22-year-old appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a two-minute hearing.

Skebas, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, was told by district judge Peter Deits “the offence you are facing is the most serious offence anyone can face in court”.

Lilia died after suffering what is believed to be a stab wound in Fountain Lane, Boston, at about 6.20pm.

Lilia Valutyte was stabbed to death last week
Lilia Valutyte was stabbed to death last week (Handout)

The nine-year-old had reportedly been playing with her younger sister on the street just yards from an office where their mother was working at the time.

The girls had a hula-hoop, and a toy pram was left at the scene, according to local people.

A prison van arrives outside Lincoln Magistrates Court
A prison van arrives outside Lincoln Magistrates Court (PA)

Lincolnshire Police previously said Lilia’s parents are being supported by specially trained officers.

Skebas, a Lithuanian national, was detained after four CCTV images were released of a man detectives said they wished to trace.

The CCTV showed a man in the Wormgate and Fountain Lane area of Boston at 6.15pm on Thursday, five minutes before Lilia was found dead.

Floral tributes left near to the scene in Boston
Floral tributes left near to the scene in Boston (PA)

Police also said two people who were arrested earlier this week have now been released with no further action.

Skebas, of Thorold Street, Boston, will appear at Lincoln Crown Court later on Monday.

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