Two teenage girls were sentenced Monday to 12 months in custody for beating a 66-year-old woman with metal table legs last summer in Halifax.

Judge Pam Williams rejected a joint recommendation from the Crown and defence for eight-month sentences for the two 16-year olds, saying she agonized over it for a week.

Williams pointed out the girls, along with another girl, attacked a completely innocent woman who was walking through the Halifax Common, beat her and only stopped when a passerby intervened.

She said the fact the attackers covered their faces with bandanas implied premeditation.

The two teenagers sat quietly in youth court Monday. They stared at the floor for most of the hour-and-a-half it took the judge to hand down the sentences.

The 66-year-old victim did not appear in court. Her husband was there, but refused to comment on the judge's decision.

The woman suffered a broken rib and severe bruising in the Aug. 27 attack.

Williams said it was sad that one of the teens committed the assault so she could return to jail, a place where she said she felt safe, and had food and a bed.

The teens, from Halifax and North Preston, cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They have already served time at the Waterville youth detention centre.

The teenagers had pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

A 15-year-old girl from Halifax was sentenced last month to 30 days, in addition to the four months she has already spent locked up.