The two 15-year-old boys who subjected a 14-year-old schoolgirl to "sadistic" torture and sexual abuse have been handed down hefty sentences.
The two teenage boys found guilty of the murder and sexual abuse of 14-year-old schoolgirl, Ana Kriegel, have been sentenced in Dublin's Central Criminal Court.
The boy, known as Boy A, found guilty of sexually abusing the young woman at a derelict farmhouse in Lucan, Dublin, where her body was discovered, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a possibility of review in 12 years time. The other boy, Boy B, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with the possibility of review in eight years.
The 15-year-olds are the youngest convicted murderers in Irish history. They will be granted life-long anonymity due to their young age, under Irish law.
Read more: “Inhuman:” Ana Kriegel’s mother reads a heartbreaking statement
In May 2018, Kriegel's body was found in an abandoned farmhouse in Lucan. The two teenage boys were found guilty of her murder earlier this year.
Flowers outside the abandoned farm where Ana Kriegel's body was discovered.
Speaking at the sentencing, on Tuesday morning, Justice Paul McDermott said the lives of Ana's relatives had been "shattered in the most cruel circumstances."
"A healthy 14 year-old girl, with her future before her and her short life should not be defined by how she died,' the judge said today.
"Her precious right to life entitled her to live it to full potential, with fun, imagination, dancing music, a lovely and loving child in loving family.
"She hoped for wider circle of friends, growing up with some difficulties along the way, but full of variety, of potential and aspirations.
"Her family are bereft, the joy and security of the Kriegel family shattered in the most cruel circumstances.
Patric and Geraldine Kriegel, Ana's parents, walking out of court during the case.
"The evidence given by Ana's mother set out to me and all who heard it, the deep joy brought to her and her father Patric, I listened to and read her evidence, and nothing could be added to the simple sad truth of what she told us, there is no solace for them in this process.
"Ana's murder has resulted in a lifelong sentence for them compounded by the manner of its occurrence."
RIP Ana Kriegel.
McDermott spoke to the teenage boys directly in court. He said "Boy A, you took Ana Kriegel's life and subjected her to a terrifying sexual and physical assault in doing so.
"Boy B, you actively participated in her killing.
"You will both have to carry the guilt and shame of your involvement and the devastation you wrought upon her family for the rest of your lives.
"Her family must bear their grief for the rest of your lives.
"When released you can reconstruct yours in a positive way, I hope you take it and build towards that in your time in custody.
"A second chance you both so wrongfully denied Ana Kriegel."
Do you think the court's actions were correct? Have you been following this horrific case? Let us know your reaction to the sentencing below.
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