Anonymity orders protecting the identity of the teenagers who killed Brianna Ghey will be lifted next year.
Mrs Justice Yip said there was a “strong public interest in the full and unrestricted reporting of what is plainly an exceptional case.”
16-year-old Brianna Ghey, who was transgender, was stabbed 28 times in what police called a “horrifying attack” by a 16-year-old boy and girl, who were both 15 at the time.
Detectives from Cheshire Police’s Major Investigation Team led the investigation into the murder at Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington. Her killers had denied murder and blamed each other for the attack.
At the conclusion of an 18 day trial at Manchester Crown Court, the jury found both teenagers guilty of her murder.
Their lawyers opposed an application to lift reporting restrictions, due to their welfare and consequences for their families. They stated that “Girl Y”’s family have already received death threats.
The judge said that an “appropriate balance” could be achieved by placing a delay on the order until sentencing – which will take place in February.
“The public will naturally wish to know the identities of the young people responsible as they seek to understand how children could do something so dreadful,” she stated.
“Continuing restrictions inhibits full and informed debate and restricts the full reporting of the case.”
She also said that it was be “inevitable” that they would be named eventually as the order banning their identification would have lapsed when they turned 18, in 2025.
“Continuing the reporting restrictions until the defendants turn 18 would, in my view, represent a substantial and unreasonable restriction on the freedom of the press.”
Mrs Justice Yip added:
“Brianna’s mother, Esther Ghey, expressly called for empathy and compassion to be extended to the parents of the defendants,” she said.
“That showed remarkable fortitude and humanity. Those who have seen the defendants’ parents in court over the last few weeks will recognise their suffering.
“Anyone who is tempted to direct vitriol or malice towards the defendants’ families would do well to recognise that they would be acting against the express wishes of Brianna’s bereaved mother.”
Speaking immediately after the verdict yesterday, Detective Inspector Nige Parr of the Major Investigation Team, and Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Moment, said:
“Brianna did not deserve her fate. She was targeted because she was different, and betrayed by someone she thought was a friend, and for her to have lost her life as a result of their senseless actions is tragic in every sense of the word.
“The impact of Brianna’s death was not only felt deeply amongst those who knew and loved her. It’s fair to say that her untimely passing has left many across the country – especially those from the LGBT community – overwhelmed with grief.
“This was an extremely complex investigation with many challenges – including the ages of those involved and the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death – and I would like to thank all those involved for their efforts.
“Thankfully, today’s outcome shows my team’s work was not in vain, and I hope they can walk away from this case in the knowledge that they have brought about whatever justice was possible for Brianna, whose life was cruelly cut short.
“Our thoughts remain with Brianna’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with their devastating loss.”
