The teenager who murdered 12-year-old Leo Ross has been sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in custody.
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Choudhury KC said that after the tariff expires it will be “up to the parole board to determine if you can be released”, adding: “You will be on licence for the rest of your life.”
Addressing the defendant directly, the judge said he wanted to take a moment to remember Leo, describing him as “an innocent boy” who was “loved by all who knew him with a future ahead of him”.
He acknowledged that no sentence would bring comfort to Leo’s family but said it marked the conclusion of the legal process.
Referring to the attack in the park, the judge told the teenager: “What you did in the park was horrific and shocking.”
He added that the three women the defendant also attacked should have felt safe, as should Leo, “but you took away that.”
The 13-year-old cannot be named as he is under the age of 18.
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