The mothers of Brianna Ghey and one of the teenagers found guilty of her tragic murder recently came together to address the risks associated with mobile phones for children and the various challenges of parenting.
Esther Ghey described the meeting with Emma Sutton, the mother of Scarlett Jenkinson, as “positive and respectful.” Scarlett, at the age of 16, was identified by a judge as the primary instigator behind the “exceptionally brutal” stabbing of Brianna.
Expressing a remarkable lack of anger or resentment towards Sutton, a former teacher of home economics, Ghey expressed her willingness to collaborate on advocacy efforts with her.
Scarlett Jenkinson confessed during the trial that she had begun watching violent content involving killing and torture at the tender age of 14, accessing the dark web through a downloaded browser on her mobile phone. Along with her co-accused, Eddie Ratcliffe, also 16, they exchanged numerous text messages while meticulously planning Brianna’s murder in Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington in February 2023.
Scarlett Jenkinson received a minimum sentence of 22 years for her involvement in what the Crown Prosecution Service labeled as “one of the most disturbing cases” they had encountered. Eddie Ratcliffe, a reserved and accomplished former kickboxing champion, was handed a 20-year sentence for the murder of Brianna, a transgender girl who openly aspired to pursue a career as a beauty therapist.
The in-person meeting, which transpired in their hometown of Warrington, included Jenkinson’s uncle. Following the meeting, Ghey shared with the BBC, “The tragedy of last year has had a profound impact on many lives. While we mourn the loss of our beloved Brianna, Scarlett’s family has also been irrevocably changed. I felt compelled to engage in a conversation with Scarlett’s family to understand the effects of the past year on them.”
Their interaction was characterized as constructive and respectful, laying the groundwork for an initial acquaintance. Although specifics were not disclosed, the conversation revolved around family dynamics and the intricate challenges of parenthood.
Sutton displayed interest in Peace and Mind UK, a community interest company founded by Esther to advocate for mindfulness training in schools and enhanced child protection measures concerning social media and mobile devices.
Recognizing the necessity for change, both parties are exploring avenues for mutual support in their respective campaigns. Ghey expressed openness to collaborating with Sutton in the future, emphasizing the absence of animosity or bitterness towards Scarlett’s mother and underscoring the far-reaching consequences of tragedies.
Maintaining her commitment to mindfulness practices, Ghey attributed her resilience, compassion, and empathy to this approach. The encounter with Scarlett’s mother reinforced the significance of these values in her life.
Looking ahead, Ghey expressed readiness to welcome Sutton’s involvement in their shared mission, highlighting the potential for collaboration while acknowledging the absence of concrete plans at present.
In a separate development, Esther engaged in discussions regarding her initiatives with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Michelle Donelan, following an earlier meeting with Keir Starmer.