Teenage boy named after admitting the murder of 17-year-old Ellie Gould

Thomas Griffiths, 17, appeared before Bristol Crown Court on Thursday morning to plead guilty to the murder charge.

He was arrested shortly after Wiltshire Police were called to Ellie's family home in Calne at 3.15pm on May 3.

Ellie, an A-Level student at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, was pronounced dead from multiple stab wounds.

Judge Peter Blair QC, the Recorder of Bristol, lifted reporting restrictions that prevented the media from identifying Griffiths.

The judge said Griffiths, who will be sentenced on November 8, had admitted an "extremely grave crime".

He ruled that it was "appropriate, reasonable and proportionate" for him to lift the order and allow for Griffiths' identity to be made public.

Griffiths, of Derry Hill, Wiltshire, spoke only to confirm his name and reply "guilty" when the murder charge was read to him.

Speaking after the hearing, temporary detective chief inspector Jim Taylor said: "Ellie was murdered as a result of a violent attack.

"Ellie was in her first year of sixth form and was looking forward to the next steps in her education.

"Her parents have told me that she was considering a career in the police and had been looking into attending university.

"The options available to Ellie were endless but her hopes and dreams will now sadly never be realised."

He said officers were able to quickly identify and arrest Griffiths after Ellie was murdered.

Griffiths initially denied having seen Ellie that day, or in the days before her death.

"While I am pleased that Ellie's family will not have to endure a lengthy trial process in court which would have caused them further distress, I know just how difficult this whole period has been for them," Mr Taylor said.

"They should have been enjoying the school holidays with their daughter, but instead, they are coming to terms with the fact she has been cruelly taken away from them in unthinkable circumstances."

Ellie's family previously paid tribute to the keen horse rider and animal-lover as "fun-loving and a joy to be around".

They added: "We would like Ellie to be remembered as a kind, caring young lady with a wonderful, fun personality."

By Claire Hayhurst, PA