Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly The three girls now aged 15 and 16 pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Grace Virtue and were today given their punishment in the High Court in Palmerston North. The eldest will serve two years and six months in prison, while the other two were given a year of home detention. Justice Helen Cull said longer sentences would be more damaging, given their ages. "This offending is a tragedy for all concerned. "It was a senseless and reckless crime and it has changed the lives of everyone. "You now have a chance to make something of your lives with the supports in place to rectify the wrongs of your past and set on a path of education, reintegration and rehabilitation."