Four teenage girls have pleaded guilty to killing a mother-of-two during a vicious brawl, making the last-minute move moments before they were due to stand trial for murder.
Emergency services responded to reports of a brawl in the Wollongong suburb of Warrawong about 6.30pm on November 22, 2023.
Kristie McBride, 39, was found suffering serious stab wounds and was rushed to Wollongong Hospital in a critical condition.
Kristie McBride, 39, was found suffering serious stab wounds and was rushed to Wollongong Hospital in a critical condition. (Supplied)
The mother-of-two died 10 days later.
Four teenage girls, all aged either 16 or 17 years old, were charged with her murder.
They were all due to face the NSW Supreme Court today for the first day of their trial, but they pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
When they were asked how they pleaded, the girls each replied they were not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
The teenagers will face a sentence hearing in December before learning their fate next year.
When court adjourned, they chatted amongst themselves and exchanged small smiles.
The two younger girls will remain living in the community on bail while the older teens are in custody.
Support is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for people aged five to 25) or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.