Brianna Ghey: Girl 'stole' boy's account of attack, jury hears

A girl accused of the murder of Brianna Ghey had repeatedly "lied" and "stolen" her co-defendant's version of what happened, a court has heard.

The 16-year-old, who was transgender, was stabbed in a Cheshire park in February.

Two teenagers, referred to only as boy Y and girl X for legal reasons, both deny murder and blame each other.

Both say they walked away when Brianna was stabbed and turned around to see the other killing the teenager.

Trial judge Mrs Justice Yip has told the jury they will retire to consider their verdicts on Wednesday morning, after hearing closing speeches at Manchester Crown Court.

Deanna Heer KC, prosecuting, told the jury the accused had a fascination with violence, torture and murder and had planned the killing for weeks, and both were "in it together from first to last",

Richard Littler KC, representing boy Y, suggested the socially awkward youth, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism, was controlled and manipulated by girl X.

Mr Littler said the difference between the two teenagers, who were 15 at the time of the attack, was "frankly remarkable".

"One unable to speak, the other ready and willing to confidently lie and lie again, with the odd laugh", he said.

Girl X's account of walking away to stretch her legs was "ridiculous" and her story was "a carbon copy" of what her co-accused had said, Mr Littler said.

He said that she had made up her story after hearing boy Y's account to police.

Earlier in the trial, Boy Y told jurors he "admired the craftsmanship" of his knife and brought it to the park to show to girl X.

They also heard he had been "admiring trees" in the park, then, while relieving himself behind a tree, girl X stabbed Brianna before handing him back the knife.

The blade, blood stained clothing and trainers were found at his home after he was arrested.

Mr Littler KC said no blood was found on girl X's clothing because her red top was washed.

The jury was reminded of the handwritten note found in girl X's bedroom and messages about getting drugs.

Mr Littler said girl X had "tricked , controlled and manipulated Brianna, who was a vulnerable individual".

He said Boy Y believed his co-accused was a "fantasist" who had turned "fantasy into reality".

"That's why she wrote the play, she directed it, she produced it, she stage-managed it.

"Boy Y was an extra. He did not stab her."

The trial continues.

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