A schoolboy charged with murdering a 15-year-old teenager outside a primary school blew a kiss to his tearful mother as he appeared in court for the first time.
Alfie Lewis was stabbed to death outside St Margaret’s Primary School in Horsforth, Leeds, on Tuesday afternoon.
The 14-year-old boy accused of killing “one-in-a-million” Alfie today stood before a judge charged with his murder.
The teen who cannot be legally named, was also charged with possession of a knife.
Wearing a grey tracksuit, the boy spoke only to confirm his name and address at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
He was remanded in custody to appear at the city’s Crown Court on Friday.
His tearful mother and father clasped hands in court as their son was brought up from the cells into a glass-panelled dock, flanked by two guards.
The teenager blew kisses to his mother before the case was called on.
No pleas were entered during the brief two-minute hearing, during which the boy stared straight ahead.
Alfie’s auntie was the only member of his family in court, where no application for bail was made.
District judge Timothy Capstick told the boy: “Your case is sent to Leeds Crown Court, you understand that its a short hearing today.
“You’ll have to appear before Leeds Crown Court tomorrow. Do you understand that?
“In the meantime, you’re remanded in custody until you appear at Leeds Crown Court tomorrow.
“If you’re kind enough to go with the officers they will make the relevant arrangements.”
As the murder suspect left court, his mother stood up against the dock and sobbed.
Alfie, described as having a “heart of gold” by his older brother Antony, 22, was understood to have been picking up a friend’s brother when the horror unfolded in Leeds shortly before 3pm on Tuesday.
In a heartbreaking tribute following his death, his mum Heather, 46, said: “I haven’t got the words to describe how devastated we all are.”
She added: “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.”
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
