All you need to know: Brianna Ghey murder trial starts today

The duo, both aged 16, each face a charge of murdering the Birchwood schoolgirl in Culcheth Linear Park in February.

The trial will take place at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court and is due to last a number of weeks.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the start of the trial.

What happened?

At 3.13pm on Saturday, February 11, Cheshire Police officers were called the Culcheth Linear Park.

Here, police found a girl with serious injuries, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A huge emergency service operation was launched, with police immediately cordoning the nearby area off.

Police confirmed the death on Saturday at 7pm, and by 11pm, they confirmed that a teenaged girl had died.

A murder investigation was subsequently launched, with forensics teams and police dogs utilised at the scene.

The scene at Culcheth Linear Park in February (Image: Warrington Guardian)

Who is Brianna Ghey?

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 12, police confirmed the identity of the girl as Brianna Ghey and released a photograph of her.

The 16-year-old was from Birchwood and was a student at Birchwood High School.

The next day, Brianna’s devastated family paid tribute to her, describing her as ‘fearless’ and ‘one of a kind’.

They also said the loss of their daughter, granddaughter and baby sister has left a ‘massive hole’ in their family.

What happened next?

Within 82 hours of Cheshire Police receiving reports of the incident, two suspects had been charged with murder.

These are a 16-year-old boy from Leigh and a 16-year-old girl from Warrington – who will both be standing trial today.

Both were arrested at around 7.30pm on Sunday, February 12, and charged in the early hours of Wednesday, February 15.

Both have since pleaded not guilty to the charge of the murder of Brianna Ghey, with a trial date set for today.

The trial will be at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court (Image: Warrington Guardian)

What will happen over the coming weeks?

The trial is due to last around four weeks, with there being a strong aim for it to be concluded before Christmas.

The female defendant will be referred to in our coverage as X, while the male defendant will be referred to as Y.

The prosecution will be led by Deanna Heer, with X represented by Richard Pratt and Y by Richard Littler.

The trial will be presided over by justice Amanda Yip.

It is estimated that the prosecution case will last around eight days, before defence representatives give their evidence and call experts.

Why can’t the defendants be named?

Cheshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service remind everyone that criminal proceedings against both defendants are active, and that they have the right to a fair trial.

It is extremely important that there should be no commenting or sharing of information or speculation which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.

Due to their age, reporting restrictions are in place for both defendants, entitling them to anonymity.

Anyone who breaches this – including comments made on social media – could face Contempt of Court Act proceedings, which carries punishment of imprisonment.

Moreover, due to a High Court order made in advance of the trial, children who may be identified during the trial have also been made the subject of reporting restrictions.

They will be referred to during coverage by allocated letters to protect their anonymity.