Boy, 15, accused of Leo Ross’ Birmingham murder appears in court ahead of trial

A teenager has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 12-year-old boy.

The 15-year-old, who spoke only to confirm his name, was not asked to enter any pleas at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

He is accused of the murder of Leo Ross, who was fatally stabbed in the stomach while walking home from school in Scribers Lane in Hall Green, Birmingham, on 21 January.

The defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, is also charged with possessing a bladed article and four unconnected counts of assault.

The teenager was remanded into custody ahead a of a five-week trial, which is expected to start on 23 June at Coventry Crown Court.

Judge Melbourne Inman KC adjourned the case after hearing submissions from prosecutor Rachel Brand KC and defence lawyer Alistair Webster KC.

“I am not going to repeat all those directions,” he told the defendant.

“The effect of them is that your lawyers will have all the material they need to make sure the issues in this case are properly considered.”

Leo, a pupil at Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood, Birmingham, died in hospital after he was stabbed at The Shire Country Park.

In a statement issued after he died, his family described him as “an amazing, kind and loving boy”.

“Not only has Leo’s life been taken, all of our lives have as well. Leo will be truly missed by all of us. He was loved so much by everyone,” they added.