Teen Given Life for Brutal Schoolyard Stabbing
A 15-year-old boy has been handed a life sentence after the savage murder of his classmate in Leeds last November. Bardia Shojaeifard, who was just 14 at the time and previously kept anonymous due to reporting restrictions, was found guilty of fatally stabbing 15-year-old Alfie Lewis.
Horrific Attack Outside Primary School
The deadly stabbing happened right outside a primary school in Horsforth as pupils were leaving. Shojaeifard brought a 13cm knife from home and launched a brutal attack on Alfie. Witnesses said Alfie begged the attacker to “chill out” and tried to back away before being stabbed twice, with one wound piercing his heart.
Despite swift medical aid, Alfie was pronounced dead shortly after reaching hospital, leaving the community stunned.
Background and Previous Clashes
Shojaeifard was seen as an “outwardly normal” teenager but had a troubling fascination with knives. During the trial, he claimed self-defence, but the jury wasn’t convinced.
The court heard about two previous encounters between the boys. In July, Alfie stepped in to break up a fight involving Shojaeifard. Just a week before the fatal stabbing, Shojaeifard was seen carrying fireworks near Alfie’s home, prompting Alfie to warn him off.
Family Speaks Out: No Forgiveness
“No sentence will ever be enough for what you have done. I will never, ever forgive you,” said Alfie’s mother, Heather Lane, facing Shojaeifard during her victim impact statement.
Alfie’s older brother, Antony, described him as a “loving and caring little mate” tragically taken too soon.
Justice Cotter, who lifted reporting restrictions on the case, warned of the deadly consequences of knife crimes among youth: “Without your interest in knives, Alfie would be here today.”
