Brianna Ghey's killers WILL be named
A judge has decided that restrictions preventing the media from naming Brianna's killers will be lifted
Last updated 21st Dec 2023
A judge has decided to lift anonymity orders protecting the identities of Brianna Ghey's teenage killers, and will allow the media to publish their names.
The current restrictions will stay in place until the pair are sentenced on Friday 2 February.
Brianna, 16, was stabbed with a hunting knife 28 times after being lured to Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington, on the afternoon of February 11.
Her killers, identified only as girl X and boy Y - both now aged 16 but 15 at the time, had denied murder and each blamed the other for the killing of the transgender teenager, described as "horrific" by detectives.
At Manchester Crown court on Wednesday, Judge Mrs Justice Yip adjourned sentencing, making clear to the convicted pair that they faced life sentences.
Intelligent, "high functioning" and coming from normal backgrounds, the trial heard the defendants had a fascination for violence, torture and murder - and had a "thirst for killing".
Their lawyers asked for time for the preparation of psychologists' reports before they are sentenced.
Mrs Justice Yip agreed, but added: "Frankly I don't expect them to make a huge difference to the outcome in sentencing but given their ages and the unusual circumstances of the case, I think it is right I have all the information available.
"I'm very conscious that no doubt the family of Brianna would want this case to be concluded as soon as possible."
Deanna Heer KC, prosecuting, said Brianna's mother, Esther, would like to read her victim impact statement before the sentencing hearing, adding: "They understand the court wants the further assistance of medical reports."
Speaking outside court after the verdicts, Esther Ghey said: "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."
Shortly after, Brianna's father Peter Spooner told reporters: "My heart bleeds every day for Brianna, and this will never go away - and the amount of guilt I have can sometimes be unbearable. But I will ensure her memory lives on in my thoughts and dreams."