An 11-year-old girl was murdered by her stepfather after she “bravely came to the help of her mother” who was being stabbed to death in “a sustained and brutal episode of violence” at their home, a court heard.
Christopher Boon, 28, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to killing Laura Mortimer and Ella Dalby at a house in Dexter Way, Gloucester, on May 28.
Richard Smith QC, prosecuting, told the court Ms Mortimer, 31, had “clearly fought for her life” and her daughter Ella witnessed at least part of the attack before being killed as she “bravely came to the help of her mother”.
“Their bodies were subsequently found in the kitchen floor,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said police officers attending the scene described it as “horrendous”.
“It is clear that it was a sustained and brutal episode of violence in which Laura and Ella suffered multiple stab wounds about their faces and necks,” he told the court.
Ms Mortimer suffered blunt force injuries to her head and arms, consistent with a struggle.
“Laura had multiple defence injuries to both of her hands,” Mr Smith said.
“She has clearly fought for her life, seeking to fend off and perhaps grasp back the knife that was being used to kill her.”
Both died “rapidly” from their injuries, the court heard.
Mr Smith said it appeared Ella had gone to the aid of her mother after hearing her downstairs with Boon.
“Having heard matters dramatically unfold in the kitchen, Ella got out of her bed and bravely came to the help of her mother,” Mr Smith said.
“Eleven-year-old Ella must have witnessed, in part at least, the murderous attack on her mother before Boon also attacked his stepdaughter.”
After the attack, Boon left the property and phoned his mother to tell her what he had done.
His mother’s partner called 999 after arriving at the scene and officers from Gloucestershire Police attended within 10 minutes.
The court heard Ms Mortimer and Boon had been married for about five years and he was stepfather to Ella.
“On May 27, Laura went out for the evening,” Mr Smith said.
“She told friends who were there that she had asked Christopher Boon to leave within two weeks.
“Laura said her husband wasn’t happy at being told he had to leave.”
Boon previously denied the charges against him but entered guilty pleas at a hearing on Monday.
Ms Mortimer ran her own business, Sweet Beginnings, offering bespoke bridal gowns and wedding planning services.
Ella was a student at Barnwood Park Arts College, where she had a passion for dance.
Boon, of Dexter Way, Gloucester, will be sentenced by Mrs Justice May on Monday.
