Brianna Ghey's Murderers Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Savage Killing

Two teenagers have been given life sentences for the "brutal and planned murder" of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old girl. Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe lured Brianna to a park in Cheshire in February 2023 before killing her. During the trial, it was revealed that Jenkinson had a "deep desire to kill," while Ratcliffe had displayed hostility towards Brianna's transgender identity. Jenkinson was given a minimum term of 22 years, while Ratcliffe was detained for 20 years. Both teenagers, who were 15 at the time of the murder and are now 16, received their sentences with apparent attentiveness. Before the sentencing, Jenkinson appeared restless, constantly folding and unfolding a piece of paper, and drawing in a notebook. Ratcliffe, on the other hand, appeared silent and focused on a puzzle book he had brought to court. The two teenagers sat at opposite ends of the dock, with five adults between them. Both Brianna's family and the families of Jenkinson and Ratcliffe were present during the sentencing. The judge, Mrs. Justice Yip, stated that the murder itself was brutal, with Brianna suffering 28 stab wounds. She mentioned that the injuries indicated a sustained and violent attack, suggesting Brianna was aware of being assaulted and did not immediately lose consciousness. Mrs. Justice Yip recognized that Jenkinson was the driving force behind the plan but emphasized that Ratcliffe should not be treated as being under Jenkinson's control. She referred to Ratcliffe's transphobic and dehumanizing messages and noted his hostility towards Brianna's transgender identity. The judge acknowledged that Ratcliffe may have learned such views at school but believed he held his own opinions. In a victim impact statement, Brianna's mother, Esther Ghey, expressed her belief that Jenkinson and Ratcliffe would always pose a danger to society and stated she never wanted them to have the opportunity to harm another child.