Teen accused of schoolboy's murder blows kiss to crying mum from court dock
A 14-year-old boy accused of murdering another teenager blew a kiss to his mum as he made his appeared in court for the first tine today.
Alfie Lewis, 15, was stabbed in the Horsforth area of Leeds on Tuesday afternoon as children were leaving two nearby schools. This morning, the teen who cannot be named, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of Alfie and possession of a knife.
The teenager, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, blew a kiss to his parents, who sat in front of the dock, as he came into court. His mother was visibly upset. He was flanked by two dock officers, as he confirmed his name, date of birth and address. The court clerk told him the alleged offences could only be dealt with at crown court. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.
Alfie Lewis was stabbedThe teenager replied “yeah” when asked by the district judge if he understood what had happened during the three-minute hearing.
Judge Timothy Capstick said that because of the seriousness of the offences the youth had to be sent to Leeds crown court, where the defendant will appear on Friday. An interpreter will be required for tomorrow’s hearing, the court heard.
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Judge Capstick addressed the youth’s solicitor Natalie Banks and asked:” You are satisfied the parents understand what is going on today?” Mrs Banks replied:”I am.” After asking the youth to stand, the judge told him: "Your case is being sent to Leeds crown court.
"You understand that it is a short hearing today? You have to appear before Leeds crown court tomorrow, you understand that?” To which the boy replied:” Yes, yes.” As he was walking out of the dock, the defendant’s mother stood up and spoke to him, before starting to cry as he was led away. West Yorkshire Police said the incident happened at the junction of Church Road and Church Lane, in Horsforth, and a large area around this location remained cordoned off on Wednesday afternoon with forensic officers continuing to work.
A bench on Broadgate Lane, which is close to where Alfie lived, has been covered in floral tributes to the teenager and become a focal point for his friends to gather at. Alfie was a former pupil of Horsforth School, which is close to where he was attacked.
Specially trained family liaison officers have been supporting the victim’s devastated family.
A statement from Alfie’s family released by police said: “I haven't got the words to describe how devastated we all are. Alfie you were one in a million, so funny and an all-round entertainer with your rapping and dancing feet.
“You had the biggest heart and took care of everybody around you. You will never know just how much you are loved by family and friends, and you will always be our uncle Alfie. We love you so much. Nothing will ever be the same without you. You will shine in the sky, as bright as you did in all our lives. I love you more than words can say, and you will always be with us forever. Love you uncle Alfie.”
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