A 15-year-old boy has been convicted of murder after fatally stabbing another teenager in front of pupils and parents outside a primary school in Leeds.
Alfie Lewis, aged 15, tragically lost his life when he was attacked by the defendant, who was 14 at the time, while on his way home from school last November. The incident occurred near St Margaret’s Primary School in the Horsforth area of Leeds just before 3pm.
The defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, admitted to stabbing Alfie with a 13cm-long kitchen knife he had brought from home but denied murder, claiming he acted in self-defence.
However, a jury at Leeds Crown Court found him guilty of murder after hearing testimonies from witnesses who described Alfie as appearing “surprised and shocked” and asking the defendant, “What are you doing?” during the attack.
Sobs were heard from Alfie’s family in the public gallery upon hearing the verdict. They hugged each other, wearing T-shirts adorned with pictures of Alfie, as the defendant remained emotionless.
Justice Cotter stated that there is only one possible sentence for murder and that the defendant’s detention period will be determined on 21 June.
Following the verdict, Alfie’s brother, Antony Lewis, expressed gratitude to the jury for reaching what the family considers a sensible conclusion. He paid tribute to Alfie, describing him as a source of love, joy, and humor, and thanked him for the 15 years of cherished memories.
Prosecutor Craig Hassall KC outlined the tragic events leading to Alfie’s death, stating that witnesses saw him trying in vain to defend himself from the defendant’s knife. The fatal stab wound pierced Alfie’s heart, leading to his untimely demise.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson emphasized that Alfie was not involved in any criminal activity and was simply meeting friends from school. She condemned the defendant’s deliberate and determined attack, urging young people to understand the grave consequences of knife crime.
The incident has deeply affected the local community, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence. As the defendant awaits sentencing, the hope is that this tragic loss will underscore the urgent need to address and prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.
