School killer jailed 16 years - judge lifts naming ban

upday.com 3 godzin temu

A 15-year-old boy who murdered fellow pupil Harvey Willgoose during a school lunch break has been detained for a minimum of 16 years. Mohammed Umar Khan, who can now be named following a judge's ruling, stabbed the teenager in the heart with a hunting knife at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3.

Khan took the weapon to school and attacked Harvey in front of horrified children, causing other pupils to flee "in fear and panic". Some students locked themselves in a school cupboard after witnessing the fatal stabbing.

Court sentencing and judge's ruling

Mrs Justice Ellenbogen told Khan during Wednesday's sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court: "You were the aggressor and you acted in hurt and anger at what you considered to be his betrayal of your friendship." Khan showed no reaction as he stood in the dock, while Harvey's family watched from the public gallery above.

The judge agreed to lift an order banning Khan's identification following applications from media organisations. She said she had to balance the need to fully report such a serious case with the welfare of the defendant, who turns 16 next month.

Family's impact statements

Harvey's sister Sophie Willgoose described the killing as "not just a crime against my brother, it was a crime against all of us who loved him". She told the court the family were "struggling to comprehend the fact that Harvey was murdered in the most cruel and inhumane way".

Sophie said the family were made to "endure" and are "haunted daily" by CCTV footage of the killing because Khan "refused to take any responsibility" for his actions. She added: "The defendant didn't just end Harvey's life, he ended ours too."

Mother's response after sentencing

Speaking after the hearing, Harvey's mother Caroline Willgoose said she was pleased Khan had been "made an example of". She told reporters: "I feel like a big weight's been lifted off my shoulders, to be honest. We just need to get on with our lives and try and do good things for our Harvey."

Mrs Willgoose said Khan "doesn't look like he's sorry but I just hope that's his mask". She added: "I'm just glad that I'm never going back into that place again."

Evidence and background

The jury watched CCTV footage showing Khan stabbing Harvey twice, with one blow cutting through a rib and piercing his heart. Khan told headteacher Sean Pender immediately after the attack: "I'm not right in the head. My mum doesn't look after me right."

Assistant head Morgan Davis, who took the knife from Khan, heard him say "you know I can't control it", which was interpreted as referring to his anger issues given previous incidents of violent behaviour at school.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Idź do oryginalnego materiału