SHEFFIELD: The 15-year-old boy found guilty of murdering Sheffield schoolboy Harvey Willgoose has been publicly named for the first time as Mohammed Umar Khan during his sentencing hearing at Sheffield Crown Court. The judge lifted reporting restrictions after media requests, allowing Khan’s identity to be revealed.
Harvey, also 15, was fatally stabbed in the chest by Khan at All Saints Catholic High School during lunch break on 3 February. The attack shocked the local community, with Harvey’s family describing the murder as “not just a crime against Harvey, but a crime against all who loved him.” His sister Sophie told the court the trauma and grief from his loss would remain with them forever.
The prosecution, led by Richard Thyne KC, argued that Khan’s actions were carried out “in anger or retaliation, rather than self-defence,” highlighting multiple blows inflicted on Harvey. Evidence presented during the trial also showed that Khan had a history of carrying knives to school.
Khan’s defence, led by Gul Nawaz Hussain KC, argued that the attack was not premeditated and that Khan acted out of genuine fear of violence. The defence highlighted alleged bullying by others, though they clarified that Harvey was not involved. Hussain described the killing as a “tragic, heartless, senseless loss of a young innocent life” and stressed that Khan had not intended to inflict harm that day.
During the trial, witnesses recounted how Khan had discussed a knife moments before the stabbing, and CCTV footage showed him pushing Harvey in a corridor before the fatal attack in the cafeteria. Khan had no previous convictions, but evidence indicated he had carried knives and even an axe to school in the past.
The sentencing hearing is ongoing, with the judge expected to deliver her remarks soon. Members of the jury and the public continue to observe the proceedings in Court 1. The case has drawn national attention due to the age of both the perpetrator and victim, and the brutal circumstances surrounding Harvey’s death.