BOY JAILED FOR MURDER OF LUKA BENNETT-SMITH IN BRISTOL

A 17-year-old boy named Mali Bennett-Smith has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 10 years after he admitted to fatally stabbing and strangling his sister, Luka Bennett-Smith, in Bristol during the previous year.

Mali, who resides on Cromwell Road in Bristol, pleaded guilty to the charge of murder and appeared at Bristol Crown Court today, 10 March. After his plea, the judge lifted restrictions preventing his name from being reported due to his age, allowing him to be publicly identified.

Despite efforts by emergency services to save Luka, she succumbed to multiple stab wounds and strangulation sustained during an attack at a property in Cromwell Road on Sunday, 20 October.

Following the incident, Mali was arrested at the scene and charged with his sister’s murder two days later by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team.

Detective Inspector Nadine Partridge, the senior investigating officer, stated: “Our thoughts remain fully with Luka’s family at this difficult time. They continue to be updated and supported by specially trained family liaison officers. They have asked for privacy while they continue to process the tragic events of that night and I would urge everyone to please respect their wishes.”