A 14-year-old-boy has been remanded in custody after appearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court charged with the murder of schoolboy Leo Ross.
The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, will appear at Birmingham Crown Court tomorrow.
The boy is also charged with possession of a bladed article and six counts of assault.
The teenager appeared wearing a black hoodie with the hood-up which he was asked to remove in the dock. He wore a black t-shirt for the duration of the short hearing.
The 14-year-old-boy has been remanded in custody after appearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court
STEPHEN ROGERSON
12-year-old Leo Ross was stabbed in the stomach while walking from school in the Hall Green area of Birmingham last Tuesday. He died in hospital the same evening.
West Midlands Police arrested the boy four hours after the attack which took place in a country park.
In court, the boy confirmed his name, detailing his birthday and address.
The District Judge ordered the teenager to return to Birmingham Magistrates Court sitting as a youth court on January 30 to hear two counts of assault against police officers on November 26.
12-year-old Leo Ross was stabbed in the stomach while walking from school in the Hall Green area of Birmingham last Tuesday
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
District Judge Wain said “You are charged with a number of matters including murder which by law have to be heard by the crown court.
“You are remanded in custody to appear tomorrow at Birmingham Crown Court.”
The boy is also accused of assaulting a woman on 22nd October last year, seriously assaulting a woman on January 19 and January 20, and again assaulting a woman on January 21.
Leo, a pupil at the Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood, is believed to have been making his way home from school when he was stabbed.
In a statement released at the weekend, Leo Ross’s family said: “We want everyone to know what an amazing, kind, loving boy Leo was.
“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.
“The family want to thank the school, the police and everyone involved in the investigation and supporting us all through this horrific time.”
