Brianna Ghey’s killers sentenced to 22 and 20 years in prison for teen’s murder
Two teenage killers are beginning life sentences for the “frenzied and ferocious” murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey in a park – as the family of one of them issued a heartfelt apology.
Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe stabbed the transgender schoolgirl 28 times with a hunting knife in a horrific attack on 11 February last year after luring her to Linear Park near Warrington.
The judge at Manchester Crown Court said the “exceptionally brutal” murder had elements of sadism by Jenkinson and transphobic hate by Ratcliffe.
The four-week trial heard the pair, who were 15, had a fascination with violence, torture and serial killers, with Jenkinson wanting to keep a part of Brianna’s flesh as a “token”.
Brianna Ghey: Moment Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe arrested for murder.
(Cheshire Police)
Jenkinson was jailed for a minimum term of 22 years, and Ratcliffe 20.
Her parents have issued an apology to Brianna’s friends and family, saying they support the sentence for their daughter.
Saying their lives were in turmoil, they also thanked Brianna’s mother, Esther Ghey, for her “selflessness and empathy”.
Ms Ghey has said she wants the minimum terms her daughter’s “cowardly” killers must serve in custody to be “as long as possible” but had asked for compassion for Jenkinson’s family.
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Jenkinson’s parents apologise to Brianna’s family and friends
The parents of killer Scarlett Jenkinson have issued an apology to Brianna’s friends and family and the community.
They said their lives were in turmoil, but that their immediate focus was to make sure that they “don’t do anything against the wishes of Brianna’s family”.
They told the Warrington Guardian: “To all of Brianna’s family and friends, our community and everyone else that has been affected by this horror, we are truly sorry.”
They said they had set up an email address, GirlXMedia@Gmail.com, to help coordinate media enquiries.
Alex Ross2 February 2024 23:06
How torture-obsessed teenagers plotted murder
Jane Dalton3 February 2024 00:20
Watch: Brianna Ghey’s mother launches campaign in memory of daughter
Brianna Ghey’s mother’s pledge as she launches campaign in memory of daughter
The mother of a 16-year-old girl tragically killed in a park in Warrington has launched a campaign in her daughter’s memory and pledged to help others. Esther Ghey, 36, has launched the Brianna Ghey: Peace in Mind appeal to raise money for the Mindfulness in Schools Project, which aims to help young people with their mental health. Brianna, 16, a transgender girl from Birchwood, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in Culcheth Linear Park on 11 February. A boy and girl, aged 15, have been charged with Brianna’s murder.
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 23:41
Killer’s parents back life sentence for their daughter
The parents of killer Scarlett Jenkinson say they agree with the life sentence their daughter was given.
The past 12 months have been beyond their “worst nightmares” as they realised the brutal truth of their daughter’s actions, they said.
In a statement to the Warrington Guardian, they said: “All of our thoughts are for Brianna and her family.
“The last 12 months have been beyond our worst nightmares as we have come to realise the brutal truth of Scarlett’s actions.”
Scarlett Jenkinson and Brianna
(Cheshire Police)
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 22:41
Killer’s family thank victim’s mother for empathy and compassion
The family of killer Scarlett Jenkinson have offered their “sincere thanks” to Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered Brianna Ghey for her “incredible selflessness and empathy” towards them.
“Her compassion is overwhelming and we are forever grateful,” they said in a statement to the Warrington Guardian.
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 21:41
Jenkinson watched videos of murder and torture on dark web
Scarlett Jenkinson, at the age of 14, downloaded an internet browser app to watch videos of the torture and murder of real people in “red rooms” on the “dark web”.
She grew an interest in serial killers, making notes on their methods and admitted enjoying “dark fantasies” about killing and torture, the pair living in a secret world of warped interests in murder and cruelty, the trial heard.
Jurors at Manchester Crown Court were told it was “difficult to fathom” how the two child defendants could carry out such a disturbing crime.
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 20:40
Shy, depressed teenager had thousands of online followers
Brianna Ghey had thousands of followers on TikTok, but in reality was a withdrawn, shy and anxious teenager who struggled with depression and rarely left her home. She was said to have been bullied at school.
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 19:50
Full report: Brianna Ghey’s teenage killers jailed for life
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 19:34
No jail time will ever be enough, says Brianna’s father
Brianna’s father, Peter Spooner, said: “No amount of time spent in prison will be enough for these monsters” as he branded his daughter’s killers “pure evil”.
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 19:12
Victim’s parents say killers should never be free
Brianna’s parents told the sentencing hearing the pair should never be released from prison.
Esther Ghey, her mother, said: “I don’t believe that someone who is so disturbed and obsessed with murder and torture would ever be able to be rehabilitated.
Earlier this year she branded the killers cowards:
Jane Dalton2 February 2024 18:55