Teenager admits murdering schoolgirl Ellie Gould at home in Wiltshire
A 17-year-old boy has admitted murdering sixth former Ellie Gould in her home in Wiltshire.
Thomas Griffiths from Derry Hill pleaded guilty to the schoolgirl's murder at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday morning.
The 17-year-old, who can now be named after reporting restrictions were lifted, admitted murdering Ellie at her family home in Calne on 3 May 2019.
Ellie, 17, died from stab wounds inside the house on Springfield Drive after what police described as a "violent attack".
Griffiths was arrested shortly after officers from Wiltshire Police were called to the house. He initially denied having seen Ellie that day or in the days leading up to her murder, but pleaded guilty in court today.
Judge Peter Blair QC said at Bristol Crown Court that Griffiths had admitted an "extremely grave crime".
Reporting restrictions initially prevented the media from identifying him but the judge ruled it was "appropriate, reasonable and proportionate" for Griffiths' identity to be made public.
The 17-year-old spoke once to confirm his name and deliver his "guilty" plea when the murder charge was read out.
He has now been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 8 November.
Ellie was a lower sixth form student at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and would have started preparing for her A-level exams in September.
Headteacher, Lisa Percy, described Ellie as an "extremely popular student" who was "friendly and vey talented".
She said the teenager's death has "hugely impacted" the school and Ellie's "close knit group of friends have shown strength beyond their young years" in the months since the attack.
Speaking after the hearing, temporary detective chief inspector Jim Taylor said: "Ellie was in her first year of sixth form and was looking forward to the next steps in her education."
Mr Taylor continued: "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."
Ellie's family previous paid tribute after the teenager's death and described her as "fun-loving and a joy to be around".
She was a keen horse rider and animal-lover who loved ones described as gentle and kind.