Kayla Smith, 18, has pleaded guilty to the murder of 16-year-old Chloe Watson Dransfield. The admission came on the second day of her trial at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, 12 November 2026. Smith had initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder.
The court heard that Chloe Watson Dransfield was attacked by Smith after going to Smith’s home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, with her boyfriend, Blake Dowling. Chloe Watson Dransfield sustained five stab wounds to her neck and back and bled to death.
Blake Dowling, 18, and Archie Rycroft, 20, are also charged with murder and manslaughter in connection with the incident. They both deny the charges against them, and their trial continues.
Mr Justice Cavanagh KC stated that Smith would be sentenced upon the conclusion of the trial, adding that the only sentence he could impose was life imprisonment, with a minimum term to be set.