A 15-year-old girl who took part in a brutal beating last September has received the maximum two-year youth sentence, despite the Crown's urging that she be treated as an adult.

The girl from Bedford, who cannot be named because of her age, was sentenced Tuesday to 16 months in custody and eight months under close supervision.

She pleaded guilty in December to aggravated assault and breaching probation.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Pam Williams designated the offence "dangerous and violent."

"During this case, the psychological report examined ways to explain the unexplainable. How could a young person involve themselves in something so grim?" said Williams.

The girl was 14 when she and two others were charged with a vicious two-hour attack on Kathie-Lee Bennet on Sept. 20.

Bennet was kicked, beaten and singed with cigarettes and a lighter behind a Dartmouth school. She suffered a broken nose and eye socket, and required reconstructive surgery.

Because of the brutality of the attack, the Crown was seeking an adult sentence, which would have meant a longer term than the maximum of two years allowed under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The girl's legal aid lawyer, Megan Longley, argued that adult jails aren't equipped to give her client the kind of help she needs to turn her life around.

Williams's explanation of the sentence will be released later in a written decision.

Williams said the girl will not receive credit for the eight months she has already spent in custody. She also ordered the teen to provide a DNA sample and barred her from owning any firearms for 10 years once her sentence is completed.

Longley said her client didn't want to say anything because she isn't comfortable speaking in front of people.

The teen may qualify for an intensive federal treatment program for young offenders. This could include tutors to help the girl move beyond Grade 7, recreational opportunities and access to mental-health professionals.

Bennet was in court for the sentencing but didn't want to speak to reporters. She did submit a victim impact statement.

Brittany McNeil, 18, the oldest of the three girls charged in the attack, was sentenced in March to six years in prison. Another 15-year-old girl is expected to be sentenced next month.