THE girl who killed tragic seven-year-old Katie Rough has been given the child equivalent of a life sentence.

The girl, now 16, was sentenced to detention for life by Mr Justice Soole at Leeds Crown Court today and was told she will serve a minimum of five years.

The judge said: "The utter tragedy and devastation of all this needs no emphasis.

"In this truly exceptional case I have concluded that it is necessary to impose a sentence of detention for life."

Katie died after she was smothered and stabbed on a path leading to a playing field in Woodthorpe in January.

The case had been adjourned for three months while psychiatrists investigated whether she could be treated if she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and they reported back that they did not think she could be.

Her barrister Nicholas Johnson QC said: “We submit that she was fundamentally driven to this killing by her mental disorder.”

Psychiatrists cannot agree what she is suffering from but do agree that she is mentally disturbed.

In his report, psychiatrist Barry Chipchase said: “We do not yet fully understand her reasons for killing (Katie). My view is she should be considered a high risk of doing serious harm to others.”

The 16-year-old admitted the manslaughter of Katie by reason of diminished responsibility in July. She was initially detained in a secure children’s home, but later moved for medical tests to a psychiatric unit.

A statement, the family of Katie Rough said: “Today is the end of a process, and that is a relief, but it is not the end of our story.

“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.

“We're especially thankful for the support of our closest family and friends – you know who you are."

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Andrea Kell said: "This investigation has been one of the most tragic, and challenging, I have ever dealt with during my career as a police officer.

"There are no positive results from cases such as these. 

"Regardless of the conviction and sentence, nothing will ever replace the loss of Katie . 

"The lives of Paul and Alison Rough, and their wider family, have changed forever as a result of the devastating events which happened on Monday, January 9, 2017.

"I hope today’s conclusion of the court proceedings, will allow the family to now focus on trying to re-build their lives.

"I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the emergency services personnel and all those who responded the night of Katie’s death.

"I would also like to recognise and praise the dedication and professionalism of the investigation team, who were faced with aspects of the investigation which were deeply distressing for all.

"Our thoughts remain with Katie’s parents and the entire Rough family."