{"id":20533,"date":"2026-02-10T15:08:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T15:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=20533"},"modified":"2026-02-10T15:08:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T15:08:08","slug":"leo-rosss-mother-says-his-life-should-just-be-beginning-as-12-year-olds-killer-to-be-sentenced-live-updates-uk-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=20533","title":{"rendered":"Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates | UK news"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><gu-island name=\"EnhancePinnedPost\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{}\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"pinned-post\" data-gu-marker=\"pinned-post\" data-component=\"pinned-post\" class=\"dcr-r5tmyr\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" name=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"dcr-11n52fl\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"collapsible-body\" class=\"dcr-1axsptg\">\n<article class=\"block dcr-1xlsn8h\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">&#8216;If love could&#8217;ve saved Leo he would&#8217;ve lived forever&#8217;, mother says<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The court is now hearing victim impact statements. Leo\u2019s birth mother, <strong>Rachel Fisher<\/strong>, said: \u201cIt should never have happened. Leo\u2019s life should be just beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cI\u2019ve lost everything I did have and would have with him, my firstborn child.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cIf love could\u2019ve saved Leo he would\u2019ve lived forever,\u201d she added in an emotional statement to the court.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e#block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T14:36:50.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 14:36 Greenwich Mean Time\">14.36 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p><label for=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" id=\"pinned-post-button\" class=\"dcr-zw7tgl\"><span id=\"svgminus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1 10.75v2.5h22v-2.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span id=\"svgplus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m10.8 13.2.425 9.8h1.525l.45-9.8 9.8-.45v-1.525l-9.8-.425-.45-9.8h-1.525l-.425 9.8-9.8.425v1.525z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;keyEvents&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b48fe8f08327a59cb149a&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Defence barrister &lt;strong&gt;Alistair Webster&lt;\/strong&gt; said the 15-year-old killer of Leo Ross has &lt;strong&gt;\u201cformidable mental health problems\u201d&lt;\/strong&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;054489ab-037c-4d1b-9b3f-c3eb2a1cd975&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Webster told the court that the teenager \u201cshows recurrent episode of self-harm\u201d and other \u201cbizarre\u201d behaviours.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;45e8b41e-f3f9-45a4-a304-a05b1eff954c&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;In mitigation, the barrister said the defendant has been diagnosed with childhood conduct disorder and ADHD, and has previously had suicidal thoughts.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;dbc3e3c6-8380-4011-b0b3-08b17d896574&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Webster added:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;77624fed-7fd9-47ba-98c7-47f2fd50196a&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;He has formidable mental health problems which present a picture which we can see is an alarming one.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;7ab95462-e9db-4d2d-936d-b9904c9273ee&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770735870000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;15.04\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770736068000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;15.07\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770736068000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;15.07\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;15.07&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Teenage killer has suffered from 'formidable mental health problems'&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b451f8f08291989449a01&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;We can bring you some more from the statement read out by Leo\u2019s mother, &lt;strong&gt;Rachel Fisher&lt;\/strong&gt;, &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?page=with%3Ablock-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e#block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e\\&quot;&gt;earlier&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;c8a3c6c7-fa56-4f39-9fe1-95b1f67348e3&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;She told the court:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;11d6e53a-8dad-40ab-a475-076bd12bc8c8&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Everyone has lost the most beautiful little soul, for what? We won\u2019t ever know why such an innocent young boy, just walking home from school, minding his business, was robbed of his life for no reason whatsoever.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;His funeral was beautiful. The streets were lined by people paying their respects but it should never have happened.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;His life should have been just beginning but now he will never get to have his first job, his first car, get married or have his own children. &lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;I will never see my lovely boy get married or have a family of his own. I have lost everything I did have and would have with him.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Instead of seeing my son living and enjoying his life, all I have is memories and photos and seeing him in my dreams. A part of me left that day and I will never get that part of me back.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;974e394b-fc1c-4292-9058-f17f4e8cef22&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770734879000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.47\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770735091000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.51\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770735091000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.51\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;14.51&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;'I have lost everything', Leo's mother tells the court&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b43828f082919894499e2&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The 15-year-old defendant is sitting in the dock, surrounded by four officers as he listens to the proceedings.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;4135812b-22c0-4dcc-b60b-aa4cf97b936b&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Speaking directly to the teenage defendant, &lt;strong&gt;Christopher Ross&lt;\/strong&gt;, Leo\u2019s father, said: \u201cLook up man \u2026 You killed my son.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;815fd42c-e1f7-4a85-958f-026afe1f5d03&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cLeo was loved by everyone. Everyone said how special he was. He was the kindest little boy you could ever hope to meet.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;a6b2b865-741d-4e25-8ee2-343c119bef7e&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cIt breaks my heart that I wasn\u2019t there to protect him.\u201d Ross said living life without Leo has been like a \u201cliving hell\u201d.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;3c7886cf-bf26-4434-ac8e-ff589e44937c&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770734466000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.41\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770735204000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.53\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770734805000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.46\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;14.46&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Life since Leo was killed has been like a 'living hell', father says&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The court is now hearing victim impact statements. Leo\u2019s birth mother, &lt;strong&gt;Rachel Fisher&lt;\/strong&gt;, said: \u201cIt should never have happened. Leo\u2019s life should be just beginning.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;dc6f9009-81d6-496e-be79-af198c1b03f7&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cI\u2019ve lost everything I did have and would have with him, my firstborn child.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;8951c2df-a907-407a-b4f4-79ebd491790c&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cIf love could\u2019ve saved Leo he would\u2019ve lived forever,\u201d she added in an emotional statement to the court.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;495412bd-5443-4bdc-91a3-12d4bdc3e599&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:true,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770733838000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.30\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770734210000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.36\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770734171000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;14.36\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;14.36&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;'If love could've saved Leo he would've lived forever', mother says&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b2a1d8f08bd83f65b1c54&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Justice Choudhury KC has said the reporting restrictions around naming the defendant will stay in place for a further 24 hours to allow an appeal to be considered in the case.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;2ca7f5f3-76a1-4a2a-a4c9-fbf7b9fd1551&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770727965000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;12.52\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770728329000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;12.58\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770728192000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;12.56\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;12.56&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Judge agrees to delay in lifting reporting restrictions to allow appeal&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b26b88f0882a0325f1d24&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;After considering applications from the press, Justice Choudhury KC has agreed with media submissions arguing for the teenage killer to be named. But the restriction has not been formally lifted so we cannot name the defendant yet. There is a possibility of an appeal from the defence.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;be4fa1b7-152b-48ec-8fbb-91b16b6db138&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770727096000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;12.38\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770727251000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;12.40\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770727252000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;12.40\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;12.40&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Judge rules teenage killer can be named after press argued for lifting of anonymity&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b16488f08990461b841c9&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Defence lawyer &lt;strong&gt;Alistair Webster KC&lt;\/strong&gt; is arguing against the lifting of the reporting restriction. He told the court it was not in the public interest to name the defendant, adding there is significant risk to his rehabilitation if his identity is revealed.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;9b9e6aec-f929-458e-83a3-0dff90a24541&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;He said:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;fc98cd76-3cab-487c-9803-f97667514b8a&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;These were shocking offences which have caused a great deal of sorrow and ongoing sense of loss to the families and victims involved.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We recognise the public and the press will be very interested in how the court deals with the sentence and what the sentence is \u2026&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;But it is sometimes easy to confuse the public interest with an interest on behalf of the public.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;46a67623-9aab-4624-8b74-43fb214a8ee6&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;While accepting what the defendant \u201cdid was very wrong\u201d, the defence lawyer added: \u201cHe remains a human being and a young and vulnerable human being.\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ca94e50d-6640-4955-aaf6-833390601c9e&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770722888000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;11.28\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770723583000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;11.39\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770723393000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;11.36\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;11.36&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross's killer remains 'a young and vulnerable human being', defence lawyer says&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698b10828f0882a0325f1c2a&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The sentencing hearing has begun. First, there will be technical arguments heard about the naming of the defendant, 15, whose identity has not been revealed due to legal restrictions around his age.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;fa74aedb-21bf-4ea9-88b6-0a830b5b6e11&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770721410000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;11.03\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770721820000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;11.10\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770721619000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;11.06\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;11.06&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court begins&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698af2c38f084ca374ce42d0&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;In a statement released after his death, Leo\u2019s foster family, the Westons, said:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;303fbbbf-21bd-4072-aee1-5903a2bf5822&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Not a day goes by where we don\u2019t think about Leo. His loss has impacted us deeply and his absence is felt constantly.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Leo was the sweetest, kindest boy who put others before himself. He was loved by all that knew him, he made friends with everyone he met, young or old.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;He was wise beyond his years, full of knowledge and facts, full of life. A life cut short by a senseless act.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We hope justice is served and we can get some closure, whatever the outcome, it still does not give Leo his life back, the life he truly deserved to live to its fullest.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;65339db3-6e42-433f-b5e6-2cd3f849724a&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Leo\u2019s birth mother Rachel Fisher said:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;437b677e-1d71-42a3-b855-93dfe7c8e691&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;My son Leo was the sweetest, most kind-hearted boy. He didn\u2019t have a bad bone in his body.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;My baby\u2019s life was stolen for no reason what so ever. My life will never be the same again without him. He will be loved and missed forever.&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;da2f5169-3a9b-4da3-9653-43d6fd582c4a&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770715744000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.29\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770716502000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.41\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770716502000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.41\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;09.41&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Leo was 'the sweetest, kindest boy' whose life was 'cut short by a senseless act', family says&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;698aed058f084281367e8f43&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;A teenage boy who murdered 12-year-old schoolboy &lt;strong&gt;Leo Ross&lt;\/strong&gt; in &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk\/birmingham\\&quot; data-component=\\&quot;auto-linked-tag\\&quot;&gt;Birmingham&lt;\/a&gt; last year will be sentenced later today.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;7d37a3cb-6cde-4dd0-9a90-722a32ecc9d1&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The hearing at Birmingham Crown Court is likely to last all day and will contain information readers may find distressing.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;e8f41d17-2f30-417e-a03b-90007e6a1943&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;On 29 January 2026, a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to murdering Leo by stabbing him in the stomach during a random attack in parkland.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;365c89a0-9c2c-466c-af8c-9f005c9a00a6&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Leo was thought to have been making his way home from his school, the Christ Church, Church of England Secondary Academy, in Yardley Wood, Birmingham, when he was stabbed on 21 January 2025.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ea8b9870-6dc3-424c-81bc-f71cc373d54b&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;His attacker, who was 14 at the time, has also admitted two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to previous attacks on separate victims, as well as having a bladed article on the day he killed Leo.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;6f1126ab-217a-4e16-9bf4-21e3885e7e40&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;He denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm on 22 October 2024 and assault by beating on 29 December 2024 in relation to two further victims, and those charges were ordered to lie on 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was walking home from school when he was stabbed.&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Leo was walking home from school when he was stabbed.&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Photograph: West Midlands Police\/PA&quot;}},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Police inquiries established that the knife used to kill Leo was thrown into a nearby river, and that the boy responsible, riding a bike, had previously attacked several women in local parkland.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;a44b4ce2-81df-4adc-865d-cae8d0f98146&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;An inquiry by West Midlands police also found that the killer opted to wait around to talk to officers at the murder scene, falsely claiming he had stumbled across Leo lying fatally injured beside the River Cole.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;8c5e262d-e668-4c66-b382-eabe0042dc35&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;It emerged that Leo had no connection with his attacker and was killed in what senior officers believe was a random and unprovoked stabbing. The defendant is expected to appear in front of Justice Choudhury KC for sentencing.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;10ed22c2-f75d-4bcd-84e5-336d76e0a639&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1770715744000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.29\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1770714985000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.16\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1770715744000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.29\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;09.29&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Teenage boy who admitted murdering Leo Ross, 12, due to be sentenced today&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 10 Feb 2026 15.07 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 10 Feb 2026 09.29 GMT&quot;}],&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1770736088423}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><gu-island name=\"FilterKeyEventsToggle\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;filter-toggle-mobile&quot;}\"><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch\" role=\"switch\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\"\/>Show key events only<\/p>\n<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-698b48fe8f08327a59cb149a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Teenage killer has suffered from &#8216;formidable mental health problems&#8217;<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Defence barrister <strong>Alistair Webster<\/strong> said the 15-year-old killer of Leo Ross has <strong>\u201cformidable mental health problems\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Webster told the court that the teenager \u201cshows recurrent episode of self-harm\u201d and other \u201cbizarre\u201d behaviours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">In mitigation, the barrister said the defendant has been diagnosed with childhood conduct disorder and ADHD, and has previously had suicidal thoughts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Webster added:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>He has formidable mental health problems which present a picture which we can see is an alarming one.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b48fe8f08327a59cb149a&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b48fe8f08327a59cb149a&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b48fe8f08327a59cb149a#block-698b48fe8f08327a59cb149a\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698b47c48f08327a59cb1485\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">In mitigation, the defendant\u2019s counsel <strong>Alistair Webster<\/strong> said it was impossible to give a reason why the 15-year-old had decided to kill <strong>Leo<\/strong> and attack vulnerable elderly women.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">He said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>The effect upon family, friends, is long-standing and significant and I want to make it clear nothing we will say should be seen as suggesting any of his victims were inviting what he did to them.<\/p>\n<p>[Leo\u2019s] mum and others want to know what lay behind the killing of Leo. It is, in reality, impossible to give a logical reason.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">He added:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>His behaviour has been an appalling shock to his own family and left them, in turn, in torment. Many lives have been seriously adversely affected and of course, Leo\u2019s life was taken from him.<\/p>\n<p>He will, reflecting the serious nature of the offending, have to be detained for life.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b47c48f08327a59cb1485&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b47c48f08327a59cb1485&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b47c48f08327a59cb1485#block-698b47c48f08327a59cb1485\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698b477f8f08674a8100121c\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The teenager who killed 12-year-old schoolboy <strong>Leo Ross<\/strong> wrote a note which said he was going to hold his \u201chands up\u201d about the stabbing, the court heard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Prosecution KC <strong>Rachel Brand<\/strong> told the court that on 2 July last year, a member of staff at the secure children\u2019s home the defendant was living at found a handwritten note in his room.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The barrister read aloud the note, which said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>I\u2019m not going to lie, I will hold my hands up and say that I done it.<\/p>\n<p>I stabbed him, lower right stomach.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b477f8f08674a8100121c&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b477f8f08674a8100121c&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b477f8f08674a8100121c#block-698b477f8f08674a8100121c\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T15:04:42.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 15:04 Greenwich Mean Time\">15.04 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698b451f8f08291989449a01\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">&#8216;I have lost everything&#8217;, Leo&#8217;s mother tells the court<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">We can bring you some more from the statement read out by Leo\u2019s mother, <strong>Rachel Fisher<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?page=with%3Ablock-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e#block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">earlier<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">She told the court:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg><em>Everyone has lost the most beautiful little soul, for what? We won\u2019t ever know why such an innocent young boy, just walking home from school, minding his business, was robbed of his life for no reason whatsoever.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>His funeral was beautiful. The streets were lined by people paying their respects but it should never have happened.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>His life should have been just beginning but now he will never get to have his first job, his first car, get married or have his own children. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>I will never see my lovely boy get married or have a family of his own. I have lost everything I did have and would have with him.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Instead of seeing my son living and enjoying his life, all I have is memories and photos and seeing him in my dreams. A part of me left that day and I will never get that part of me back.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b451f8f08291989449a01&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b451f8f08291989449a01&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b451f8f08291989449a01#block-698b451f8f08291989449a01\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698b43828f082919894499e2\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Life since Leo was killed has been like a &#8216;living hell&#8217;, father says<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The 15-year-old defendant is sitting in the dock, surrounded by four officers as he listens to the proceedings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Speaking directly to the teenage defendant, <strong>Christopher Ross<\/strong>, Leo\u2019s father, said: \u201cLook up man \u2026 You killed my son.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cLeo was loved by everyone. Everyone said how special he was. He was the kindest little boy you could ever hope to meet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cIt breaks my heart that I wasn\u2019t there to protect him.\u201d Ross said living life without Leo has been like a \u201cliving hell\u201d.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b43828f082919894499e2&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b43828f082919894499e2&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b43828f082919894499e2#block-698b43828f082919894499e2\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T14:53:24.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 14:53 Greenwich Mean Time\">14.53 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">&#8216;If love could&#8217;ve saved Leo he would&#8217;ve lived forever&#8217;, mother says<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The court is now hearing victim impact statements. Leo\u2019s birth mother, <strong>Rachel Fisher<\/strong>, said: \u201cIt should never have happened. Leo\u2019s life should be just beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cI\u2019ve lost everything I did have and would have with him, my firstborn child.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cIf love could\u2019ve saved Leo he would\u2019ve lived forever,\u201d she added in an emotional statement to the court.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e#block-698b410e8f08bd83f65b1d9e\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T14:36:50.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 14:36 Greenwich Mean Time\">14.36 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698b3e8d8f0882a0325f1ea4\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Leo\u2019s killer attacked a 79-year-old woman, who \u201cscreamed\u201d when he pushed her down, within half an hour before he stabbed the schoolboy, the court has heard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Rachel Brand KC, prosecuting, said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg><em>She was walking alone in the park on the afternoon of Tuesday 21 January last year at about three o\u2019clock in the afternoon.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>(The defendant) walked closely behind her, in fact she spoke to him &#8211; she asked him \u2018do you want me to move aside?\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>(The boy) forcefully pushed her from behind. It caused her to fall forward onto her hands and knees.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Birmingham Crown Court heard that the only injuries to the elderly woman were soreness and muscle strain, but she was \u201cshocked and alarmed\u201d about what happened to her. Brand said the boy \u201cturned and smiled\u201d at the woman after the attack.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b3e8d8f0882a0325f1ea4&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b3e8d8f0882a0325f1ea4&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b3e8d8f0882a0325f1ea4#block-698b3e8d8f0882a0325f1ea4\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T14:37:39.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 14:37 Greenwich Mean Time\">14.37 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698b3ca18f0882a0325f1e76\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The proceedings have started again now the lunch break is over.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b3ca18f0882a0325f1e76&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b3ca18f0882a0325f1e76&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b3ca18f0882a0325f1e76#block-698b3ca18f0882a0325f1e76\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T14:28:58.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 14:28 Greenwich Mean Time\">14.28 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698b2dd08f0882a0325f1d95\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The prosecution then gave some pre-sentencing remarks and showed drone footage of the park in the immediate aftermath of the murder to the court, which is packed with family members, police, legal representatives and journalists. The court has adjourned for a lunch break now and will resume with the prosecution again at about 14:00.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b2dd08f0882a0325f1d95&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b2dd08f0882a0325f1d95&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b2dd08f0882a0325f1d95#block-698b2dd08f0882a0325f1d95\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T13:11:30.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 13:11 Greenwich Mean Time\">13.11 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698b2b8b8f0882a0325f1d66\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Addressing the safety of the defendant in the secure institution he is being detained in, Justice Choudhury KC said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg><em>Many of the incidents of violence recorded as involving the defendant over the last year while in detention have involved violence by him on others or on himself.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The judge said some of the other boys in the facility already know the defendant\u2019s identity, which \u201chas not resulted in any attacks\u201d on him.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b2b8b8f0882a0325f1d66&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b2b8b8f0882a0325f1d66&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b2b8b8f0882a0325f1d66#block-698b2b8b8f0882a0325f1d66\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698b2a1d8f08bd83f65b1c54\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Judge agrees to delay in lifting reporting restrictions to allow appeal<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Justice Choudhury KC has said the reporting restrictions around naming the defendant will stay in place for a further 24 hours to allow an appeal to be considered in the case.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b2a1d8f08bd83f65b1c54&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b2a1d8f08bd83f65b1c54&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b2a1d8f08bd83f65b1c54#block-698b2a1d8f08bd83f65b1c54\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T12:58:49.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 12:58 Greenwich Mean Time\">12.58 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698b27768f0882a0325f1d2a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The judge said factors of note favouring the lifting of restrictions included that the case is a matter of \u201csubstantial public interest\u201d as knife crime, particularly among young people, is a matter of public concern.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The media submissions argued the previous attacks on vulnerable women carried out by the killer before he murdered Leo also made this a matter of public interest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The judge noted that inclusion of the defendant\u2019s name in reporting means the coverage is more likely to be read, as the media also highlighted in their submissions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The judge said factors weighing against lifting the reporting restrictions included the welfare of the defendant, and the potential negative effects on his mental health and rehabilitation if named.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">But after summarising the arguments that had been laid out to him, Justice Choudhury KC said the public interest around the case and commitment to open justice meant the defendant\u2019s identity will be lifted, although not immediately.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The judge said the public would want to know \u201cwhat could have led a child to commit such acts\u201d.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b27768f0882a0325f1d2a&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b27768f0882a0325f1d2a&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b27768f0882a0325f1d2a#block-698b27768f0882a0325f1d2a\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-02-10T13:12:54.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-gb\" title=\"Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 13:12 Greenwich Mean Time\">13.12 GMT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-698b26b88f0882a0325f1d24\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Judge rules teenage killer can be named after press argued for lifting of anonymity<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">After considering applications from the press, Justice Choudhury KC has agreed with media submissions arguing for the teenage killer to be named. But the restriction has not been formally lifted so we cannot name the defendant yet. There is a possibility of an appeal from the defence.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b26b88f0882a0325f1d24&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b26b88f0882a0325f1d24&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b26b88f0882a0325f1d24#block-698b26b88f0882a0325f1d24\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-698b22be8f08990461b84270\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">At 12 years old, Leo is thought to have been the youngest victim of knife crime in the West Midlands.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-698b22be8f08990461b84270&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-698b22be8f08990461b84270&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Leo Ross\u2019s mother says his life \u2018should just be beginning\u2019 as 12-year-old\u2019s killer to be sentenced \u2013 live updates&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-698b22be8f08990461b84270#block-698b22be8f08990461b84270\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<p><gu-island name=\"LiveBlogEpic\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;sectionId&quot;:&quot;uk-news&quot;,&quot;shouldHideReaderRevenue&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;uk\/uk&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;UK news&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;uk\/birmingham&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Birmingham&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;type\/article&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Type&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Article&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/minutebyminute&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Minute by minute&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;News&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/tom-ambrose&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Tom Ambrose&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/yohannes-lowe&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Yohannes Lowe&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tracking\/commissioningdesk\/uk-home-news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tracking&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;UK Home News&quot;}],&quot;isPaidContent&quot;:false,&quot;contributionsServiceUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/contributions.guardianapis.com&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;uk-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/10\/leo-ross-murder-birmingham-court-live-updates&quot;,&quot;keywordIds&quot;:&quot;uk\/uk,uk\/birmingham&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;}\"\/><\/div>\n<p>#Leo #Rosss #mother #life #beginning #12yearolds #killer #sentenced #live #updates #news<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8216;If love could&#8217;ve &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20534,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20533"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=20533"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20533\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20534"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}