The Labour MP for Warrington North where Brianna Ghey lived today said 'no verdict could ever bring her back' after two teenagers were found guilty of her murder.
Charlotte Nichols, the Labour MP for Warrington North, said today’s verdict could never bring the Birchwood High School, back to her parents, mum Esther Ghey, dad Peter Spooner and sister, Alisha.
Brianna, a 16-year-old, died after being stabbed 28 times in Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington on the afternoon of Saturday, February 11, this year. Two teens, who are also aged 16 and cannot be named for legal reasons, have been on trial at Manchester Crown Court accused of murdering her for just over four weeks.
READ MORE: Brianna Ghey live court updates as murder trial continues
READ MORE: Girl X and Boy Y found guilty of Brianna Ghey murder
Girl X, from Warrington, and Boy Y, from Leigh, were unanimously convicted by a jury of seven men and five women this afternoon, Wednesday, December 20. The verdicts were delivered after four hours and 40 minutes of deliberations.
After the verdict was announced, MP Charlotte Nichols, penned: “A jury has today delivered the unanimous verdict that Girl X and Boy Y are guilty of the murder of Brianna Ghey. No verdict can bring Brianna back to her loving family and friends, or repair the heartbreak her murder caused in our community.
“It is important nonetheless to see justice done, and I hope today's verdict holding both killers jointly accountable for Brianna's murder will help bring a sense of closure, and mean we can remember Brianna as she lived and not for the awful circumstances in which she died. Her determination to live her life unapologetically as her authentic self, her humour and wit, and her kindness.
“I want to pay enormous tribute to Esther Ghey and Brianna's family for their courage and dignity in the face of unimaginable grief and trauma in the national and international media spotlight. And I want to give thanks to all those in the criminal justice system who secured this prosecution and conviction, in very difficult circumstances, and those who have supported Brianna's family, friends and classmates to navigate these last ten months.
“My prayers are with all those who knew and loved Brianna, and all those who have been so profoundly affected by her senseless and untimely death. I hope Peace in Mind UK – the legacy project for Brianna – will continue to go from strength to strength with the support of our community as we remember her.”
Mrs Justice Yip, the judge who has presided over the trial over the past four weeks, will pass sentence in the New Year. She told Girl X and Boy Y: "Given you’ve been found guilty, I will have to sentence you. I’m sure you already know I will have to impose a life sentence.
"What I have to decide is the minimum amount of time you will be required to serve before you might be considered for release. I’m not going to do that this week. I will have to find a date that is suitable for that purpose."
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