LEIGH teenager Kieron Smith was jailed for a minimum of 15 years on Friday for the murder of his 10-year-old neighbour Lauren Pilkington-Smith.

Mr Justice Mackay ruled at Liverpool Crown Court that jobless Smith, 18, who was found guilty of murder last month, should be detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure and not considered for parole until he was 33-years-old.

Smith battered Lauren to death just hours after playing cricket with her and another young neighbour near their homes on July 7, 2005.

Smith, dressed in blue jeans and an olive-coloured jumper, showed no emotion as he was led from the dock or as sentenced was passed.

Mr Justice Mackay told Smith he had led an "aimless life" and taken away "a gem of a girl".

He said: "You led an empty and aimless life and did nothing to fill your days.

"Therefore in social and developmental terms you were an immature young man, but you knew full well how to behave, how to behave with younger children and you knew what you did that day was wicked beyond belief.

"She viewed you as her friend and playmate and you abused that trust and confidence she placed in you."

The sentence means that Smith must serve at least 15 years before he is considered for parole.

The judge warned him that if he continues to deny the killing, he will remain in prison for much longer.