A teenage boy who killed 12-year-old Leo Ross in a random knife attack in Birmingham has been sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in custody.
The defendant, now aged 15, pleaded guilty last month to murdering Leo, who was stabbed while walking home from school on 21 January last year. He later died in hospital from a wound that penetrated eight centimetres into his body and damaged vital organs.
The court heard that Leo had been walking to meet a friend when he was attacked. He was found collapsed by members of the public, including a woman who stayed with him until emergency services arrived.
Paramedics and hospital staff attempted to save his life, giving him blood and fluids and carrying out emergency surgery. He was pronounced dead around four hours after the attack.
Prosecutors said the teenager had also assaulted three elderly women in the days leading up to Leo’s murder. He was arrested on the evening of the killing in connection with one of those earlier incidents.
During the trial, the court was told that after the stabbing, the defendant remained in the area briefly, watched what was happening and later falsely claimed he had found Leo injured.
Mr Justice Choudhury KC told the defendant that he would serve at least 13 years in custody before being considered for release by the Parole Board. He said the offender would remain on licence for the rest of his life.
Addressing the court, the judge described Leo as “an innocent boy” who was loved by those around him and had his future taken away. He said the three women who were attacked and Leo himself should have felt safe, but that safety had been taken from them.
The judge also indicated he would lift reporting restrictions preventing the teenager from being named, but granted the defence 24 hours to consider an appeal. Until that period expires, the offender’s identity cannot be published.
The defence told the court the teenager has a history of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and mental health difficulties, including conduct disorder and ADHD.
Leo’s family and foster relatives attended the sentencing hearing. His mother was visibly distressed as details of the attack were repeated in court.