A 16-year-old teenager has received a life sentence, with a minimum prison term of five years, for the manslaughter of Katie Rough.
Seven-year-old Katie was smothered and stabbed by the then 15-year-old, who cannot be named, in the Woodthorpe area of York in January of this year.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the youngster sadly passed away in hospital shortly after she was found in the park by her mother, Alison.
In a statement read outside court by a police officer, Katie’s parents thanked those who have helped them through this heartbreaking time.
"Our story is about a loving home and family that was torn apart on a day when we lost our daughter.
"Our story goes on into a future where our home feels very empty, but we will keep going for sake of our other children and our grandson.
"We are so grateful for everyone who has helped us in these last months, including the whole community in York, who have been so generous with their kindness, their time and their money."
"Katie's memory will live on in our hearts but also more widely, as a little girl who brought more colour to her world."
