Leo Ross murder trial delayed to next year

Leo Ross, 12, was fatally stabbed while walking home from school in Birmingham in January

The trial of a teenage boy accused of murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross as he walked home from school has been delayed to next year following a review hearing.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, had been due to go on trial at Coventry Crown Court next week.

Leo Ross died after being stabbed in the stomach on a riverside path in The Shire Country Park, Hall Green, Birmingham on 21 January.

The accused, wearing a T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, was remanded in custody at youth detention accommodation following the 20-minute hearing in Coventry.

He spoke in court only to confirm his name and that he understood directions from High Court judge Mr Justice Wall.

The teenager was asked not to enter any pleas, but will next appear at a hearing at the same court next month, with a four-week trial provisionally fixed for 9 February.

Delay 'not fault of anybody'

In addition, the defendant is charged with possessing a bladed article, assaulting a woman on 22 October last year, seriously assaulting a woman on 19 and 20 January, and assaulting a woman on January 21.

After hearing submissions from the prosecution and defence, Mr Justice Wall allowed the boy to remain seated and adjourned the case.

He told the court the delay was "not the fault of anybody" and that a trial was not likely to happen until early next year.

Addressing the defendant, the judge said the case would be back in court on 28 July for an update.

"We are going to find you a trial date as soon as we can. We will do it as soon as possible," he added.

Leo, a pupil at the Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy in Yardley Wood, died in hospital after members of the public called 999.

In a statement issued shortly after his death, his family described him as "an amazing, kind, loving boy".