A 15-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering Alfie Lewis, 15, in a knife attack outside a primary school in Horsforth, Leeds. The stabbing occurred in November last year as pupils were leaving St Margaret's primary school.
The defendant, who was 14 at the time, admitted using a 13cm kitchen knife he brought from home but denied murder, claiming self-defence. However, a jury at Leeds Crown Court convicted him after hearing that Alfie was 'not the aggressor'.
Prosecutor Craig Hassall KC said Alfie was stabbed twice—once in the chest and once in the leg—in full view of schoolchildren. The fatal wound was 14cm deep and pierced his heart.
Alfie's family cried and hugged as the verdict was read, wearing T-shirts with his picture and the words 'Forever 15'. The defendant showed no emotion and held hands with his parents before being taken away.
Judge Mr Justice Cotter noted the only possible sentence is detention, with the length to be determined. Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson called the case a tragedy illustrating the appalling consequences of knife crime.
