Attorney General to Review Sentence of Teenager Who Murdered Schoolboy
The Attorney General's Office has confirmed it will review the sentence handed to a teenage delinquent who stabbed a 12-year-old schoolboy to death in a random attack. Kian Moulton, now 15, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 13 years for the murder of Leo Ross in Birmingham last year.
Outrage Over 'Unduly Lenient' Sentence
The sentence, delivered at Birmingham Crown Court, prompted immediate outrage from Leo's family and the wider public. Leo's mother, Rachel Fisher, described the punishment as "ridiculous" and declared: "This is why kids are killing kids - because the sentences are a joke."
Multiple complaints have been lodged with the Attorney General's Office under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. A spokesperson confirmed: "I can confirm that we have received multiple requests for this sentence to be considered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The Law Officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision."
Three-Day Rampage of Violence
Moulton's murder of Leo Ross represented the culmination of a shocking three-day rampage against strangers in Trittiford Mill Park during January 2025. The then-14-year-old had been "hunting" for victims in the Hall Green area of Birmingham when he spotted Leo walking home from Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy.
After cycling up to the schoolboy, Moulton delivered a single fatal stab wound to his stomach. He then callously pretended to be an innocent bystander, raising the alarm and fabricating an account to police as paramedics desperately worked to save Leo just feet away.
In bodyworn camera footage captured by officers, Moulton claimed: "He was lay there like that when I got here…I didn't touch him because that could put me in the case."
Previous Attacks on Elderly Women
Prior to murdering Leo, Moulton had carried out a series of brutal attacks on three elderly women in the same park. Two days before the murder, he ambushed 82-year-old Valerie Mann, pushing her into the River Cole and beating her with her own walking stick while declaring: "I tried to drown you, but now I'm going to kill you."
The following day, he attacked 72-year-old Christine Canty, leaving her bleeding profusely from a head wound. Just half an hour before murdering Leo, Moulton assaulted 79-year-old Diana Copplestone.
Legal Victory Allows Naming of Killer
Following a legal challenge spearheaded by the Daily Mail and two other news organisations, Mr Justice Choudhury ruled that Moulton could be identified as the perpetrator. The judge stated: "This is a matter of substantial public interest. Knife crime, particularly amongst youths, is a matter of grave concern. This was an unusual and disturbing pattern of escalating violence against random strangers."
He rejected defence arguments that naming Moulton would hinder his rehabilitation, noting that evidence of any progress made by the defendant was "scant." The judge revealed that Moulton had been involved in repeated episodes of violence since being detained in youth custody.
Sentencing Remarks and Family Anguish
During sentencing, Mr Justice Choudhury told Moulton: "What you did in the park last January was horrific and shocking. You went around the park looking for people to hurt. You chose people who were weaker and smaller than you. I hope you realise how cowardly your actions were."
Despite the appalling nature of his crimes, Moulton was told he would be eligible for parole when he is just 27 years old. This aspect of the sentence has caused particular anguish to Leo's family, who described their son as "the most beautiful soul."
Police believe Leo was singled out because Moulton was "much physically bigger" than him and the schoolboy represented an "easy target." The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about youth knife crime and sentencing practices in cases involving juvenile offenders.
