Inquest Reveals Troubled Past and Educational Transfers of Scarlett Jenkinson

The schoolgirl responsible for Brianna Ghey’s murder was on the verge of being expelled from her second school when the crime took place, an inquest revealed. Scarlett Jenkinson, aged 15, had been transferred to Birchwood High following behavioural issues at Culcheth High School, but her placement was on the brink of collapse when she was detained for the killing, according to Warrington Coroner’s Court.

The inquest is examining Jenkinson’s transfer to Birchwood High, where she befriended 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, described as vulnerable. Together with Eddie Ratcliffe, a peer from Culcheth High, Jenkinson lured Brianna to Culcheth Linear Park on February 11 of last year. There, the pair brutally stabbed Brianna 28 times with a hunting knife. Both assailants, 15 at the time, were sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge, Mrs Justice Yip, described the act as “frenzied” and “sadistic,” citing a secondary motive tied to Brianna’s transgender identity.

The inquest heard that Culcheth High did not explicitly inform Birchwood about an earlier incident involving Jenkinson allegedly “spiking” a younger pupil with drugs. In a statement approved by both schools’ legal teams, it was noted that there was “no consistent recollection” regarding the communication of Jenkinson’s background. However, the statement also suggested that even with complete disclosure, Birchwood would likely have accepted Jenkinson.

At Birchwood High, Jenkinson faced another incident involving cannabis and was nearing permanent exclusion when the murder occurred. Headteacher Emma Mills testified that there was no indication Brianna’s safety was compromised by Jenkinson’s presence at the school. She recounted an incident days before the killing when Jenkinson, distressed and claiming to hear “unkind voices,” was found hiding in a nearby store.

The court also explored Jenkinson’s disturbing interest in dark web content depicting real killings and torture, alongside a fascination with serial killers. Ms Mills confirmed that neither school had knowledge of these tendencies. Suzy Saffrey, Culcheth High’s safeguarding lead, outlined Jenkinson’s disciplinary history, noting repeated behavioural infractions, including poor punctuality, drug-related issues, and a series of suspensions for assaults and other incidents.

In 2020, Jenkinson was reported to have smelled strongly of cannabis upon arrival at school, but denied drug use. Her parents attributed the smell to a cannabis-based treatment for their dog. Attempts to engage her parents often went unanswered. Jenkinson’s school record highlighted episodes such as a racist remark, sharing an inappropriate image via Snapchat, and encouraging a younger student to consume cannabis-laced sweets, leading to the latter’s illness.

The inquest continues to delve into the systemic and institutional responses surrounding Jenkinson’s behaviour and its tragic culmination.