After changing her plea, Kayla Smith admits murdering love rival Chloe Watson in Leeds

Plea changes during trial

Smith first admitted manslaughter but contested the murder charge. On the second day of proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, she changed her plea to guilty of murder. Judge Mr Justice Cavanagh KC said he would sentence Smith after the trial concludes. He told her a murder conviction carries a life sentence, with the court setting the minimum time she must serve in custody.

Events before the stabbing

The court heard that Blake Dowling, 18, had been in relationships with both Chloe and Smith and knew of tensions between them. Dowling’s mother described Smith as “jealous and obsessed” about her son’s relationship with Chloe.

Prosecutors said the girls argued the evening before the killing and that Smith repeatedly threatened to stab Chloe. A friend speaking with Chloe over FaceTime heard Smith make threats during a phone call with Dowling, according to the witness’s evidence.

Journey to Kennerleigh Avenue

The two girls agreed to fight, and Dowling arranged a taxi to take Chloe to Smith’s home on Kennerleigh Avenue in Leeds. Smith was at her grandfather’s house in Austhorpe, east Leeds, with Archie Rycroft, 20.

Dowling and Rycroft are both charged with murder and manslaughter, and their trial is continuing. Prosecutor Mark McKone KC said Rycroft was accused of accompanying Smith, attempting to film the violence and offering support if needed.

Fatal attack and trial evidence

CCTV and doorbell video shown in court captured Smith coming out of a garden annexe with a knife. After the stabbing, footage showed her running back towards the annexe with Rycroft.

Chloe suffered five stab wounds to her neck and back and died from blood loss. Prosecutors allege Dowling helped organise the violence by arranging the taxi and taking Chloe to the location, knowing Smith wanted to stab her.