20/01/2006

Lauren killer jailed for life

A teenager has been jailed of life for the murder of schoolgirl Lauren Pilkington-Smith.

Eighteen-year-old Kieron Smith - no relation - had denied murdering the ten-year-old last summer, but was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court last month.

On Friday, Mr Justice Mackay sentenced Smith to a minimum of 15 years in prison.

Lauren disappeared after playing a game of cricket with Smith and another younger boy near her home in Leigh, Greater Manchester on July 7 last year.

Her body was discovered that night by her grandfather, hidden under leaves in nearby woods. She had suffered severe head injuries.

Lauren's family have welcomed the verdict. Lauren's grandmother Pam Smith said: "As long as he never admits what he did then he will probably be in prison for ever. That's long enough for us, because we've got to live with our sorrow for ever."

(KMcA)


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