A 15-year-old boy is set to face trial next year, accused of murdering 12-year-old schoolboy Leo Ross in a fatal stabbing in Birmingham.
Court Appearance Sets Trial Date
The defendant, who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged offence, appeared via video link from a young offender institution at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday. The hearing, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, was presided over by Judge Andrew Smith KC.
Legal teams discussed preparations for the trial, with prosecution barrister Rachel Brand KC and defence counsel Morgan Pirone making submissions. The judge confirmed that the case is scheduled to begin on February 9 and will be heard before a High Court judge.
Charges in the Hall Green Stabbing Case
The teenager has not yet entered pleas to a series of serious charges. The charges he faces include:
- One count of murder
- Three counts of assault
- Two counts of causing grievous bodily harm
- One count of unlawfully possessing a knife
Due to a court order, the identity of the accused cannot be revealed to the public.
The Tragic Death of Leo Ross
Leo Ross lost his life on January 21 this year following an incident in Hall Green, Birmingham. The 12-year-old was walking home from school when he was stabbed in the stomach on a riverside path in Trittiford Mill Park, part of the Shire Country Park.
Emergency services rushed Leo to hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. The location of the attack, a parkland area popular with locals, sent shockwaves through the community.
Judge's Direct Address to the Defendant
During the hearing, Judge Smith spoke directly to the teenage defendant about the forthcoming proceedings. He stated, "I am going to talk to you directly now. What you have heard being discussed is that your lawyers are going to seek to speak to you. At the moment your case is going to start as a trial in early February."
The case was formally adjourned until the trial date. The legal process is now focused on pre-trial preparations, with both legal teams expected to engage in further discussions with their client and review evidence ahead of the February hearing.
