NEWS REPORT: 15-Year-Old Boy Found Guilty of Murdering Harvey Willgoose at Sheffield School
Friday 8 August 2025 | Sheffield, UK — A 15-year-old boy has today been found guilty of murdering fellow pupil Harvey Willgoose during a shocking knife attack that took place on school grounds earlier this year.
The verdict was delivered at Sheffield Crown Court, following a six-week trial that laid bare the harrowing events of February 3rd at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had previously admitted to the lesser charge of manslaughter, as well as possession of a bladed article on school premises, but denied murdering Harvey. However, after deliberation, a jury found him guilty of murder.
A Shocking Midday Attack
Emergency services were called to the school at 12.17pm on the day of the attack. Harvey Willgoose, also 15, had been stabbed in the chest with a hunting knife during the lunch break, in what was described in court as a targeted confrontation between the two boys. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and staff on the scene, Harvey tragically died from his injuries. The suspect was arrested on school premises shortly after the incident.
Background and Motive
During the trial, the defendant claimed he had brought the knife to school for self-protection, citing perceived threats from other students. The court heard that tensions had been rising between the defendant and other pupils, following a disagreement involving Harvey a week prior to the stabbing. Although Harvey was not directly involved in the original altercation, both boys had reportedly taken opposing sides, which ultimately led to the fatal confrontation.
Despite the defence’s arguments, the prosecution successfully proved that the defendant had intended to cause serious harm, and his act constituted premeditated violence, rather than spontaneous self-defence. The jury’s verdict confirms that the boy’s actions met the legal threshold for murder under UK law.
Police Statement: “A Heartbreaking Reminder”
Speaking after the verdict, Detective Inspector Joe Hackworthy, the deputy Senior Investigating Officer in the case, delivered a powerful message on the tragic consequences of knife crime:
“This trial has been a heartbreaking reminder of the devastation knife crime causes in our communities. It tears lives and families apart – and that has never been more evident than in this tragic case.”
“Tonight, one boy’s family will be spending another night grieving the unimaginable loss of their beloved son, while another boy’s family will be living with the reality that their son faces a life sentence behind bars for murder.”
DI Hackworthy also praised Harvey’s family for their strength throughout the trial:
“They have shown immense courage throughout the court process – and I want to thank them for it.”
He went on to highlight the danger of the misguided belief that carrying a knife offers protection:
“The boy who has been found guilty thought carrying a knife would change the way his peers looked at him. He might even have wanted them to fear him. But the painful reality is that his decision led to him taking an innocent life.”
Wider Concerns About Youth Knife Crime
The case has reignited national concerns over youth violence and the prevalence of weapons in schools, with calls for urgent action from parents, schools, and law enforcement alike.
South Yorkshire Police have urged families to engage in honest conversations with their children over the dangers of knife possession:
“If you are a parent or carer and suspect your child is carrying a knife, or may be feeling under pressure to carry one, please talk to them. Encourage them to tell someone they trust if they believe somebody they know is carrying a weapon.”
Authorities also acknowledged that the case may have left young people across the region feeling anxious, especially during the summer holidays. Local support services, including school counsellors and youth intervention programs, are expected to be made available for students affected by the tragedy.
Sentencing to Follow
The boy will be sentenced at a later date. Due to his age, he cannot be named publicly, but legal experts have indicated that he is facing a lengthy custodial sentence, potentially a life term with a significant minimum period.
As the school community continues to mourn, tributes to Harvey Willgoose have continued to pour in from friends, teachers, and community leaders. Described as a bright, kind, and well-liked student, Harvey’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of many.
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