WOMAN ADMITS KILLING MAN AT HIS HOME
SHE PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER OF DAVID BAXTER
A WOMAN has admitted unlawfully killing a man in his Huddersfield home.
Rio Liburd was accused of murdering 59-year-old David Baxter but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter yesterday.
Mr Baxter was attacked in his flat on Elmwood Avenue, off New North Road, on September 8 last year and died in hospital two days later.
He had suffered a serious bleed to the brain.
Liburd, of Pennine Gardens, Linthwaite, previously denied the murder charge but was rearraigned at Sheffield Crown Court four days ahead of what was expected to be a five-day murder trial.
The 32-year-old, who had her hair in a bun and wore a black suit jacket in the dock, spoke only to enter her pleas during the fiveminute hearing.
She told the court clerk : “Not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter.”
Prosecutor Richard Wright QC said the pleas were accepted following a consultation with the reviewing lawyer, the police and the victim’s family.
Liburd’s barrister James Pickup QC said his client has been in custody for the past six months and wanted to be sentenced immediately.
Mr Justice Lavender said a presentence report was required to assess whether or not she is dangerous.
She will be sentenced on April 5 at Leeds Crown Court and was returned to custody.
Mr Baxter’s nephew sat in the public gallery during the hearing.
An inquest into Mr Baxter’s death was opened and adjourned in October last year pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.