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Murder

Teenager Stabbed to Death in School Courtyard During Snapchat Row

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A jury at Sheffield crown court heard harrowing details of how 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose was fatally stabbed in the heart during his lunch break at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3rd. The prosecution case is that the defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, murdered Harvey after a Snapchat row escalated into a violent confrontation. The defendant has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a knife but denies murder.

Key Takeaways:

  • Harvey, 15, was stabbed twice with a 13cm serrated-edged hunting knife in the school courtyard during his lunch break.
  • The defendant, who had been involved in a dispute with Harvey over an incident at the school, had denied having a knife in the school.
  • The school was placed in lockdown and the police were called after the defendant claimed to have seen a knife, but none was found.
  • Harvey had sent a text to his dad a few days before his death, expressing his fear of going to school due to the presence of knives.
  • The defendant and Harvey had been involved in a row on social media, with the defendant accusing Harvey of being involved in an incident with two other boys.
  • The deceased was removed from the Snapchat group due to his arguing with the defendant.
  • The defendant had previously sat next to Harvey in Science classes and had gotten along with him.
  • CCTV footage showed the defendant pushing Harvey in the corridor, which was described as an attempt to provoke him.
  • Harvey's family has been prominent campaigners against knife crime since his death.

Statistics:

  • Harvey was 15 years old when he was stabbed to death.
  • The knife used was a 13cm serrated-edged hunting knife.
  • The school was placed in lockdown on the previous week after the defendant claimed to have seen a knife.
  • 2 other boys were placed on suspension after the lockdown.
  • Harvey's mum, Caroline, remembered his catchphrase as "Isn't it a lovely day".
  • The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, met with Harvey's parents in March to discuss knife crime.

Sources:

  • BBC News (Source)
  • Sheffield Crown Court (Source)

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