A man accused of murdering a nine-year-old girl has been declared unfit to stand trial.
Deividas Skebas, 23, allegedly stabbed Lilia Valutyte in Fountain Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire last July.
At a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court, Judge Simon Hirst said Skebas is not fit to enter a plea or stand trial.
Instead, a trial of the facts, to be heard at the same court, has been scheduled for July 10.
Skebas, of Thorold Street, Boston, was not at Monday morning’s hearing.
A trial of the facts is where the prosecution sets out the case in front of a jury but the defendant does not have to play a part in proceedings or be present in court.
The jury then decides if the defendant committed the alleged offence, though their conclusion cannot result in a criminal conviction.
Judge Hirst said: ‘He is unfit to plead and participate in a traditional trial.’
The judge added that it is up to a jury ‘to determine whether he carried out the act that led to the death of the child.’
Lilia died from a stab wound to the chest on July 28, 2022, and Skebas is charged with her murder.
Lincolnshire Police officers were called to Fountain Lane, Boston, at 6.20pm, where she was found.
A trial of facts is set to take place on July 10 for two days.
Skebas will be represented by John McNally and Andrew Campbell-Tiech. Christopher Donnellan will prosecute the trial.
Skebas will remain in custody.
