MEMBERS of the press caught the reactions of both Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe as they were sentenced.

The pair were convicted by a jury in December of murdering Brianna Ghey in Culcheth Linear Park on February 11 last year.

They appeared back before Manchester Crown Court to face sentence today, Friday, where reporting restrictions were also lifted to allow them to be named.

Jenkinson, of Culcheth, was handed life detention with a minimum term of 22 years, with Ratcliffe, of Leigh, also being sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 20 years.

Jenkinson made no reaction as she was told she must serve more than two decades behind bars.

Warrington Guardian:

She sat blinking occasionally as she was addressed by the judge and briefly asked a question of her intermediary, or approved adult, sat beside her in the dock.

Her mother, sat to her right in the public gallery, dabbed tears from her eyes with tissue.

Ratcliffe, also seated and looking directly in front of him, made no visible reaction as he was sentenced.

He was led down to the cells without looking over at his mother, who was sat to the left of the dock.

Justice Yip said: “Your lack of empathy does provide some explanation for how you could commit such a dreadful murder.

“There is no suggestion you did not know that what you were doing was wrong or that you were unable to control your actions. You were able to plan in an organised way.

“There is no doubt you knew it was wrong to act as you did, but you did it anyway. There are some concerns about your mental health and how you will respond after today.

“It is clear if you are ever to be released a huge amount of work will need to be done with you first. The hope remains that this can happen, and you should work hard on your rehabilitation.”

Turning to Ratcliffe, she commented: “I am confident you knew very well that what you were doing was terribly wrong and you were capable of saying no to Scarlett.

Warrington Guardian:

“Although you showed no remorse at trial or today, the pre-sentence report showed some insight into Brianna’s family’s feelings.

“Despite the limitations identified, you are capable of thinking about the consequences of your actions.

“Your behaviour in custody has been good so far. It is clear there is a hope you may be one day rehabilitated. You must continue to work towards that.”

Justice Yip also praised legal representatives and family members for their conduct, not just during today’s sentencing, but throughout the trial.