The Mayor of Liverpool has issued a poignant message to the family of 12-year-old Ava White on the day her killer was found guilty of murder.
Ava was knifed in the neck by a 14-year-old boy in Liverpool city centre. Her killer, known as Boy A, from South Liverpool, cannot be named for legal reasons.
He stabbed the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College with a flick knife after an argument about him filming her on Snapchat. Prosecutors alleged the teen laughed and ran away.
READ MORE: Cheers and 'get in' shouts as Ava White killer found guilty of murder
A jury found him guilty of murder after two hours and eight minutes of deliberation and a 12-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Some members of Ava's family roared and cheered, with shouts of "yes" and "get in", when the verdict was returned. Others burst into tears and some apologised for the reaction.
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson has now sent a message to Ava's family and friends on a deeply emotional and difficult day. She said: “Our thoughts are with Ava White’s family and friends on this extremely difficult day.
“The pain and suffering they have been through over the past months is unimaginable. We can only hope that the verdict brings them some comfort.”
She added: "Losing a child is a tragedy no one should have to endure."
High Court judge Mrs Justice Amanda Yip said Boy A will be sentenced on July 11. She ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Boy A until that date, adding: "In light of the jury's verdict I think you know I can only impose a life sentence. But what I have to do is decide what the shortest amount of time that you will have to serve in custody is."
