Five teenagers convicted of intentionally harassing a girl who took an overdose of painkillers are returning to Derby Youth Court to be sentenced.

The boys, aged between 13 and 17, cannot be named.

After convicting them on February 10, the youth court said a jail sentence had to be a possibility because of the seriousness of the crime.

The bullies threw eggs at Kelly's house

Sentencing was deferred to allow for background reports on each of the youths.

The court heard the boys had thrown eggs, butter and stones at 13-year-old Kelly Yeomans' home the night before her body was found.

Kelly, from Allenton, Derbyshire, apparently committed suicide on September 29, 1997.

Her parents insisted her torment at the hands of the five boys had contributed to her depression.

One of the boys told police he had bullied Kelly for fun. He said he regretted his actions and wished he could say sorry.

A 15-year-old girl who initially appeared in court alongside the five males, charged with a public order offence, was bailed unconditionally until her trial in April.

An inquest into Kelly's death has been opened and adjourned.

Her family say their daughter, who was a member of the Salvation Army, was kind and caring.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©