A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 13 years for the murder of 12-year-old Leo Ross in Birmingham. Leo was walking home from school on January 21 last year when he was attacked in a park. The teenager, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, pleaded guilty to murder last month.
The court heard that the killer had also attacked three elderly women in the days before Leo's murder. Judge Mr Justice Choudhury described the attacks as 'savage' and said the killer appeared to 'derive some sort of pleasure' from violence. The judge noted that the killer chose Leo because he was smaller and vulnerable, being eight to ten inches shorter.
The judge expressed doubt about the killer's remorse, stating he still lacks insight into his actions. The killer's parents had previously told authorities their son 'liked violence and gained enjoyment from it'. The judge highlighted that the killer acted 'coolly and rationally' and showed 'sophisticated and callous' thinking to hide his crimes.
The killer will not be released unless the parole board decides it is safe. The judge said Leo was an 'innocent schoolboy' who was robbed of his life and future, causing devastation to many lives. The judge also noted the killer's mental disorders and difficult upbringing but emphasised he remained responsible for his actions.
