Teenager, 19, admits the manslaughter of his 15-year-old sister at a caravan park in Wales days before he was due to stand trial for her murder

• Matthew Selby pleaded guilty at court to his sibling Amanda’s manslaughter
• Had been due to stand trial for her murder on July 31 last year later this month
• Judge said he ‘understood’ manslaughter plea given psychiatric assessments 

A teenager today admitted to killing his 15-year-old sister at a caravan park in Wales.  

Matthew Selby, 19, pleaded guilty at Mold Crown Court to his sibling Amanda’s manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. 

She died after police were called to reports of a ‘domestic disturbance’ at the Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, near Abergele, North Wales, on Saturday July 31 last year.

Selby, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, had been due to stand trial for her murder later this month.

Matthew Selby, 19, pleaded guilty at Mold Crown Court to his sibling Amanda’s manslaughter (they are pictured together at an event) 

He appeared via videolink from HMP Berwyn for the hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes.

Ian Unsworth QC, prosecuting, said the Crown accepted the plea to manslaughter, based on close analysis of psychiatric reports.

He said : ‘After widespread consultation with those instructing me and also the police, that’s an acceptable plea. 

‘It’s based on close analysis of the psychiatric reports and it is based upon diminished responsibility.’ 

Judge Rhys Rowlands said: ‘I too have read the reports from both psychiatrists and plainly I understand the decision taken by the Crown.’

Gordon Cole QC, defending, said Selby would be seen again by a psychiatrist before his sentencing.

Judge Rowlands adjourned the case for sentencing on March 18. 

Amanda suffered asphyxia due to ‘neck compression,’ it was stated at the opening of an inquest. 

Selby, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, (seen arriving at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court) had been due to stand trial for her murder later this month

Following her death, her family released a statement through North Wales Police which said: ‘Amanda was a loving daughter and granddaughter – she was caring, thoughtful, liked to help others and very much loved.

‘She will be very sadly missed.’

Her school, Droylsden Academy in Greater Manchester, also paid tribute to her.

A message on its website said: ‘Our school family is devastated by this awful news. Amanda was a lovely student and she will be sorely missed by students and staff.’

Selby appeared via videolink from HMP Berwyn for the hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes. Pictured right: Amanda in her school uniform 

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