Brianna Ghey's mum showed remarkable selflessness as she asked for "empathy and compassion" to be shown to the families of Girl X and Boy Y.
The two teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were unanimously found guilty of her daughter's murder this afternoon, Wednesday. She died aged 16 in February this year after being stabbed 28 times in Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington.
Giving a statement outside Manchester Crown Court following the verdict, Brianna's mother Esther Ghey said that she would be "haunted forever knowing how scared her usually fearless child must have been when she was alone in the park with someone that she called her friend". But she also urged for compassion for the relatives of her child's killers.
READ MORE: Callous, cold and planned: Brianna Ghey's murder leaves detectives with questions as well as answers
READ MORE: Brianna Ghey wanted to be famous but she was robbed of the chance to achieve her dreams
In full, Esther Ghey said on the courthouse steps: "Brianna was larger than life. She was funny, witty, and fearless.
"We miss Brianna so much, and our house feels empty without her laughter. To now know how scared my usually fearless child must have been when she was alone in the park with someone that she called her friend will haunt me forever.
"Prior to the trial, I have had moments where I felt sorry for the defendants because they have ruined their own lives as well as ours. But now, knowing the true nature of the two and seeing neither display an ounce of remorse for what they have done to Brianna, I have lost any sympathy that I previously had for them and I am glad that they will spend many years in prison and away from society.
"I would like to take this opportunity to give my thanks to all involved in the outcome we have today. Thank you to Cheshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for all the hard work that has gone into building this case, following a thorough investigation led by DCI Adam Waller and DI Nige Parr.
"Thank you to our family liaison officers DC Sarah Newton and DC Linda Turtle for supporting us throughout the investigation and trial with such professionalism and kindness. Thank you to Justice Yip for ensuring a fair trial has been carried out for all.
"Thank you to the prosecution Deanna Heer KC and her team for all their hard work throughout and for advocating for Brianna in such an outstanding way. Thank you to the jury for making the right decision based on the evidence.
"I understand how difficult this must have been for you all. But you have worked hard and thanks to you, society is now a safer place.
"Thank you to all of those who gave evidence, with special thanks to the couple who found Brianna and PC Chadwick – the first officer on the scene. I am so grateful that in the last moments of her life she had the concern and kindness from you all, and I undoubtedly know that you did all you could to help my precious child.
"Thank you also to the majority of the press who have reported sensitively throughout. This has meant a lot to our family and Brianna's friends.
"Lastly, please have some empathy and compassion for the families of the young people convicted of this horrific crime. They too have lost a child and must live the rest of their lives knowing what their child has done.
"My family and I request some healing space for the next few weeks. However, I will be back at the end of January to continue my campaigning for better mental health support for young people and their families."
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here