Man admits killing student who died in town centre stab attack

A MAN has admitted killing ‘‘gifted’’ Leeds student Bethany Fields who died after suffering multiple stab wounds in a town centre knife attack.

Paul Crowther yesterday pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the death of the talented 21-year-old environmental geology student in September last year.

Crowther, 35, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of murder when he appeared before Leeds Crown Court.

Jonathan Sharp, prosecuting, told the court that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) wished for time to consider whether Crowther’s pleas were acceptable or if a murder trial should take place.

Mr Sharp said: “It is a highly emotional and sensitive case.”

The case was adjourned until Friday, August 21. Crowther will be sentenced on that date if the pleas are accepted by the CPS.

Miss Fields, from Bramley, was found seriously injured on Fitzwilliam

Street, Huddersfield, on September 21 last year.

An inquest has heard she died after suffering numerous stab wounds. Crowther, of Elm Way, Birstall, appeared in the court dock with two security officers and he was also accompanied by two nurses.

Crowther spoke only to confirm his name and enter the pleas. The defendant was visibly shaking throughout the short hearing.

He was returned to Newton Lodge secure hospital, in Wakefield, after the case.

Crowther’s barrister, Stephen Wood, asked that his client be returned to the court from custody for his next appearance.

Mr Wood said no further medical or psychiatric reports were required in the case.

A trial had originally been listed

Relatives describing Bethany Fields after her death. to take place in March this year but was adjourned so Crowther’s mental health could be fully assessed.

Miss Fields’ relatives were in the court for yesterday’s hearing.

Judge Tim Bayliss QC told them that arrangements would be made for the next hearing to be held in a larger courtroom so more family members could attend with safe social distancing.

After Miss Fields’ death, relatives described how she had a bright future ahead of her.

In a statement released via the police, they said: “The life of Bethany,

who was a beautiful, talented, ambitious, intelligent, kind, giving, and loving daughter, was tragically taken from her.

“A daughter, who any parent would have been proud of, much loved and respected by all; family, friends, work colleagues and fellow students. Bethany had a bright future ahead of her.”

They added: “Bethany had a wonderfully pleasant nature, with a love of nature, plants and animals.

“She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten, forever in our hearts and thoughts.”

A daughter who any parent would have been proud of.