The teenager fatally stabbed the 12-year-old in a senseless attack and assaulted three women – but we cannot tell you his name

Leo Ross

View 2 Images

Leo Ross(Image: PA)

Angry BirminghamLive readers called for the teenage killer of schoolboy Leo Ross to be publicly named.

Article continues below

The now-15-year-old admitted murdering Leo, who was just 12, at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, January 30.

Article continues below

But he has never been publicly identified as reporting restriction were imposed because of his age. Judges have legal powers to grant anonymity to a child defendant, witness or victim under Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.

Unless the order is lifted at his sentencing hearing, his identity will remain shielded from the public, despite the severity of his crime.

The killer was just 14 when he fatally stabbed Leo, a stranger, as the victim walked home from school in Hall Green last January.

Police said the attacker encountered the younger boy as he lay in wait for a victim having attacked a woman earlier that day. He also admitted assaults on three elderly women between January 19 and 21 last year.

Det Insp Joe Davenport, who was in charge of the case, told BirminghamLive: “None of the victims reported he tried to rob them, so it doesn’t appear that was the motive.

He was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court

View 2 Images

He was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court.(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

“He didn’t speak in his police interview and now he’s pleaded guilty he won’t be examined at court. The only motive I can see is he enjoys violence and enjoys harming other people and watching the results and consequences of his actions.

On BirminghamLive’s Facebook page, a number of readers called for the killer’s identity to be revealed.

Lin Nettleton said: “The days of anonymity for teens committing such crimes should be long gone. If/when the accused has been found guilty, they should be named.

“There are more and more of these cruel and senseless killings, by under 18s, it is not a rare occurrence anymore.”

Linda Goodman posted: “It’s time the government stopped protecting these youngsters. Anyone over ten should be named, they know exactly what actions they’re taking.

“It’s also time parents were held responsible for their children’s actions until they reach 18.”

Article continues below

Shirley Cox added: “They should show his face and name him.”

Philip Roberts said: “I don’t care what age they are, they should be named.”

Vicki Payne wrote: “An absolute danger to society… he should be named.”