Chilling video footage captures the moment Mohammed Umar Khan, the killer, entered a school and used a hunting knife to fatally stab 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose. The disturbing video shows Khan entering All Saints Catholic School in Sheffield in a composed manner in February, wearing his coat as he walked around the premises. A confrontation ensued between Khan and Harvey, during which Khan brandished the knife in the school canteen before carrying out the attack.
Following the incident, Khan, whose identity can now be disclosed after reporting restrictions were lifted, stabbed Harvey twice in the chest with a 13cm blade during the lunch break. Despite admitting to manslaughter and denying murder, Khan was found guilty by a jury with a majority verdict of 11 to one. He was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in detention at Sheffield Crown Court for the murder.
During the sentencing, Judge Mrs Justice Ellenbogen stated that Khan’s actions were driven by hurt and anger towards what he perceived as betrayal by Harvey, dismissing Khan’s claims of self-defense or fear of violence. The judge emphasized that Harvey’s alleged provocative remarks did not justify Khan’s violent response. Khan, emotionless during the sentencing, received assistance from an intermediary who provided him with notes throughout the proceedings.
Harvey’s parents, Mark and Caroline, observed the sentencing from the public gallery, along with Khan’s family. Mrs Justice Ellenbogen expressed certainty that Khan had planned to use the knife on Harvey if deemed necessary. She highlighted Khan’s history of weapon possession, the school setting of the crime, and the presence of numerous witnesses as aggravating factors in the case.
The prosecution did not allege premeditated intent to harm Harvey that morning but emphasized Khan’s premeditation by the time of the incident, citing witness testimonies. The judge underscored Khan’s previous history of carrying weapons, the school location of the offense, and the presence of students and teachers as additional negative considerations in the case.