Teen Denies Murder, Claims Voice Told Her To Stab Woman

A 13-year-old girl is facing trial for the murder of Marta Bednarczyk, though she denies the charge, pleading diminished responsibility. The court heard that the defendant claims a voice instructed her to inflict over 140 stab wounds on Ms. Bednarczyk in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. She admits to unlawfully killing the 43-year-old but contests the murder charge.

During a psychological assessment eight weeks after the incident, a consultant clinical psychologist, Dr. Tim Diggle, testified that the teenager appeared "personable" and "enjoyed" the interview. He contrasted her demeanor with other young people he assesses, noting her strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. The girl described the event as feeling like her "body moved on its own."

Dr. Diggle also reported that the defendant expressed a desire not to believe she had committed the act, telling the police a "lie." She appeared composed, thoughtful, and reflective during the assessment. Despite her initial claims, the psychologist conceded it was possible the girl experienced a dissociative state during the killing and that her mental state may have impacted her memory of the events.