A family's three-year wait for answers is almost over as an inquest started into the death of 'a lovely little girl' stabbed in the neck in Bolton.

Emily Jones, a pupil at Markland Hill Primary School, was attacked by paranoid schizophrenic Eltiona Skana in Queens Park on March 22, 2020.

On December 8, 2020, Skana received a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months to be served at a high-security psychiatric hospital. Skana was convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but was cleared of murder.

Today (May 2), after three years, an inquest, listed for nine days, started into the death in the hope of answers as to whether it was 'predictable therefore preventable'.

In particular, the family is concerned about the role of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH), which was responsible for managing Skana's paranoid schizophrenia and PTSD, and of the Home Office, which was responsible for processing Skana's application for asylum after she came from Albania to the UK in 2014.

Before evidence from these organisations, the coroner read statements from father Mark Jones, who was in court, and mother Sarah Barnes, who was not in court.

Both relived the day of March 22, 2020 – Mothers' Day – and remembered Emily as 'the lovely little girl' she was.

The Bolton News: Mark Jones

Mr Jones, who took her to Queens Park, said: "Emily had her life in front of her. 

"She was a lovely little girl and there was no reason for anyone to harm her."

Ms Barnes, who was on a run in the park at the time, said: "I spent the morning with Emily and I will treasure this morning for as long as I live.

"The loss is indescribable and I will take no comfort until I am able to understand what led to my daughter's death."

Duncan Thorpe, a retired detective who was involved in the investigation, confirmed Skana came from Albania to the UK in 2014 and she came into contact with GMMH the following year when she was sectioned for a first time. She was sectioned for a second time two years later.

Mr Thorpe said there was some suggestion Skana was undermedicated in March 2020.

The inquest before senior coroner Timothy Brennand continues this week and into next week.