Boy who 'violently' murdered schoolgirl Ellie Gould at her home pleads guilty, judge lifts restrictions and names him
A 17-year-old boy has reportedly pleaded guilty to murdering a "kind and caring" schoolgirl of the same age by stabbing her to death in her home in Calne, Wiltshire.
The boy, identified as Thomas Griffiths, was finally named on August 29 after a judge lifted restrictions on his name becoming public. The judge made the move after Griffiths admitted that he had murdered A-Level student Ellie Gould at Bristol Court on May 3. Griffiths was reportedly arrested seven miles away later that day. Reports state that Griffith, in the court on August 29, only spoke to confirm his name and reply "guilty" when the murder charge was being read to him.
Judge Peter Blair QC, during the hearing, said that it was "appropriate, reasonable and proportionate" for him to lift reporting restrictions on Griffith's name that prevented the media from identifying him. Blair described the murder as an "extremely grave" crime, according to the Daily Mail. Griffiths had reportedly denied meeting Gould on the day of her death, however, officials eventually confirmed him as a suspect.
Reports said Eleanor Rose Gould, a keen horse rider and animal lover, had just turned 17 when she was brutally killed. Her family previously paid tributes to their daughter, describing her as "fun-loving and a joy to be around." "We would like Ellie to be remembered as a kind, caring young lady with a wonderful, fun personality," they added.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taylor, after the court hearing, released a statement, saying: "While I am pleased that Ellie's family will not have to endure a lengthy trial process in court which would have caused them further distress, I know just how difficult this whole period has been for them. They should have been enjoying the school holidays with their daughter, but instead, they are coming to terms with the fact she has been cruelly taken away from them in unthinkable circumstances."
"From what they have told me, Ellie was an extremely popular, fun-loving, kind, gentle and caring girl," he continued. "Her tragic death has shocked the community of Calne, as well as the many young people and teaching staff at Hardenhuish School, where Ellie was studying. Nothing will ever fill the void that Ellie's death will leave in the lives of all those who knew her, but I hope that this outcome, and the upcoming sentencing, provides them with some comfort and enables them to concentrate on remembering Ellie and the many happy memories they have of her. My thoughts, and those of all at Wiltshire Police, remain with them."
Griffiths' case has reportedly been adjourned for sentencing to November 8.