A teenager accused of murdering a 12-year-old schoolboy in a fatal knife attack in Birmingham has been given a trial date and further remanded in custody.
Court Appearance and Charges
The defendant, who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged offence and is now 15, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via videolink from a young offender institution on Tuesday. The hearing, which lasted around 20 minutes, was presided over by Judge Andrew Smith KC.
The youth faces a series of serious charges. He is accused of the murder of Leo Ross, along with three counts of assault, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and one charge of unlawfully possessing a knife. He has not yet entered pleas to any of these charges.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The tragic incident that led to these charges occurred on January 21 this year. Leo Ross was walking home from school when he was stabbed in the stomach on a riverside path in Trittiford Mill Park. This park forms part of the Shire Country Park in the Hall Green area of Birmingham.
Despite being rushed to hospital, the 12-year-old schoolboy sadly died from his injuries. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about youth violence and knife crime in the region.
Legal Proceedings and Trial Date
During the hearing, legal submissions were presented by prosecution barrister Rachel Brand KC and defence barrister Morgan Pirone. The court was informed that preparations are being made for a trial to be held before a High Court judge.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on February 9. Due to a court order, the identity of the teenage defendant cannot be revealed to the public.
Addressing the youth directly during the hearing, Judge Smith said: “I am going to talk to you directly now. What you have heard being discussed is that your lawyers are going to seek to speak to you. At the moment your case is going to start as a trial in early February.”
The case was adjourned and the accused was further remanded into custody pending the start of the trial.
