Teenager admits killing his younger sister at a Welsh holiday park

A teenager has admitted to killing his younger sister at a Welsh holiday park last summer.

Matthew Selby, nineteen, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of fifteen-year-old Amanda Selby, Sky News reports today.

Police were called to reports of a ‘domestic disturbance’ at the Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, near Abergele, North Wales, on July 31st last year. Sadly, Amanda could not be saved and was declared dead a short time later.

Matthew, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, had been due to stand trial for her murder this month, but this morning pleaded guilty to manslaughter during a short hearing at Mold Crown Court.

Prosecutors said they accepted the lesser plea of manslaughter based on analysis of Matthew’s psychiatric reports.

However, defence lawyer Gordon Cole QC said the teenager would be seen again by a psychiatrist before his sentencing, which is due on March 18th.

In the wake of her death, Amanda’s family released a statement saying: “Amanda was a loving daughter and granddaughter – she was caring, thoughtful, liked to help others and very much loved. She will be very sadly missed.”

The teenager’s school, Droylsden Academy in Greater Manchester, also paid tribute, saying in a message on its website: “Our school family is devastated by this awful news. 

“Amanda was a lovely student and she will be sorely missed by students and staff.

“Clearly, many members of our school community will be affected by this loss and we will be offering support to those who need it in the weeks and months ahead.”

The inquest in Ruthin, north Wales, heard Amanda’s body was formally identified by her father, Anthony Selby. 

Pathologist Dr. Bryan Rodgers gave a provisional cause of death, indicating it was due to asphyxia as a result of neck compression, external airways obstruction and crush asphyxia.