Brianna Ghey murder trial: Jury shown video of accused’s arrest

The girl, aged 15 at the time and identified only as X, was held the day after the 16-year-old Birchwood schoolgirl was found stabbed 28 times in Culcheth Linear Park on February 11 this year.

X and a boy, identified only as Y, also 15 at the time, were traced after being seen with Brianna that day and X’s mother phoned police, Manchester Crown Court was told.

Both X and Y, both now 16, deny murder and are blaming each other, the jurors have been told.

Neither defendant can be named because of their age.

In the call to police by X’s mother, at about 5pm on the day after Brianna’s death, the teenager told police she and Y had been with Brianna in the park, but Brianna had then gone off with a 17-year-old boy from Manchester who owned a car.

Two-and-a-half hours later, both X and Y were arrested at their homes in Warrington and Leigh by Cheshire Police.

Jurors were shown the body-worn camera footage taken when officers, wearing balaclavas and body armour, detained the suspects.

X is seen standing on the landing at the top of the stairs as an officer tells her: “Listen to what I have to say.

“From the information I have received, you are under suspicion of the murder of Brianna Ghey yesterday.”

X is then cautioned and has her arms handcuffed behind her back, with one officer saying: “Be careful. She has got really small wrists.”

She is asked for her mobile phone, gives her pin, nods as she is asked if she understands what is happening and shakes her head when asked if she has ever been arrested before.

X is then told she will be taken in for questioning, and because of her age, arrangements are being made for a parent to accompany her.

X asks the officer: “How come I’m a suspect? Is it because I was the last person to see her alive?”

Brianna was found dead in Culcheth Linear Park

The officer tells her he can only give information about the arresting process – not the investigation.

Jurors were then shown footage of the simultaneous arrest of Y in Leigh.

He is held on the landing outside his bedroom and knelt down as officers handcuff him.

Y tells them: “I can explain,” as he is told he is being arrested for murder and taken in for questioning.

Earlier on Friday, the jury was shown footage of Y getting the bus home after the stabbing, with his hood up and his sleeves over his hands.

Deanna Heer, prosecuting, said Y’s web history that afternoon showed him accessing sites with advice on breathing exercises for stress and getting help for anxiety.

Later, the court heard X sent a message to Y saying: “Do you know what my favourite quote is? If you wish for peace prepare for war.”

Jurors were told she asked if he had anxiety about getting caught, to which Y replied: “Probably.”

X, the court heard, then said: “You’re not going to get caught don’t worry, police are s***e here.”

The trial was adjourned until Monday.

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, as well as other children involved in the evidence.