Two boys, known as BOY A and BOY B, will be sentenced this morning for the murder of 14-year-old Kildare schoolgirl Ana Kriegel.
BOY A is also due to be sentenced for aggravated sexual assault.
Ana Kriegel was murdered at a derelict farmhouse in Lucan on May 14th last year. Her body was found three days later.
Through her Victim Impact Statement, her mother Geraldine outlined how her daughter’s violent death has devastated their family.
Her words would have been considered by the judge along with the various reports submitted to him and the arguments put forward in mitigation.
Given the fact they’re under 18, he’ll also be guided by the provisions of the Children Act, which governs how all arms of the justice system deal with young offenders.
The law doesn’t expressly deal with children who commit murder, but does set down certain principles when sentencing, including that a period of detention only be imposed if the court is satisfied it’s the only suitable way of dealing with the child.
The sentence hearing is due to begin at 10.30 and the judge is required by law to explain how he arrived at whatever sentence he sets down.
Reporting by Frank Greaney
