"This was a crime against all who loved him."
In February 2025, the 15-year-old schoolboy, Harvey Willgoose, was stabbed to death by a fellow student.
Both pupils attended All Saints Catholic High School when the murder occurred on Monday, February 3.
On October 22, 2025, when Harvey’s killer appeared in court for sentencing, his identity was revealed as the 15-year-old Mohammed Umar Khan, otherwise known as Umar.
Judge Mrs Justice Ellenbogen lifted a restriction on Khan’s anonymity during proceedings at Sheffield Crown Court.
During Khan’s trial, the jury discovered that he had attacked Harvey with a hunting knife during a lunch break.
Mohammed Umar Khan admitted to manslaughter and possession of a knife, while denying murder.
The jury found him guilty by a majority verdict of 11 to one.
In the days leading up to the murder, Khan and Harvey had been arguing over social media.
CCTV showed Khan approaching Harvey in the school’s courtyard shortly after midday.
The murderer then drew a knife on Harvey, stabbing him in his chest, severing a rib.
Khan told the court that he never intended to kill Harvey, and that he had “lost control”.
He added that he had been bullied and was known to “get angry quickly”.
Khan also blamed his actions on alleged neglect and abuse at home, as well as racist taunts on social media.
However, prosecutors asserted that Mohammed Umar Khan “wanted to show he was hard” and that he “knew exactly what he was doing”.
They added that Khan had an “unhealthy interest in weapons” and had researched a “zombie killer knife” and other blades online.
It was noted that the convicted murderer had also taken pictures of himself holding a knife and an axe, to warn people.
While he had no other previous convictions or run-ins with the law, Khan had taken a knife to school.
After Khan was convicted, Harvey’s sister, Sophie Willgoose, said:
“[Harvey] was deeply loved by his family, cherished by his friends, and respected by all who knew him.
“Many have been traumatised. Some witnessed the unthinkable, and others held Harvey as he took his last breath.
“To them, we send out deepest love and strength.
“This tragedy has not only devastated our family, but has rippled across the country.
“People everywhere continue to grieve the loss of our beautiful boy.”
Detective Inspector Joe Hackworthy said that Khan’s action had torn families apart. He commented:
“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.
“Our thoughts today are with all those who knew and loved Harvey.”
On the day of Khan’s sentencing, Sophie Willgoose read a victim impact statement.
She said: “In that moment, our world was shattered forever.
“We live with constant reminders and triggers of the trauma, including children in school uniforms and the police.
“The grief and trauma is exhausting.
“This was not just a crime against Harvey. This was a crime against all who loved him.
“The fear, pain and grief will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
While sentencing Khan, Mrs Justice Ellenbogen told him:
“Throughout the trial, you sought to minimise the extent of your interest [in weapons], and sought to explain how images of them had come to be on your phone which were, put simply, not believable.
“You said you had been carrying a knife for protection, and had been followed over the weekend, and were scared of being jumped outside school.
“I must sentence you to detention during His Majesty’s Pleasure.
“That means a life sentence in a secure place, imposed on a person who commits the offence of murder.
“You will remain on licence for the rest of your life.
“The fact you stabbed Harvey twice in his chest indicates the high degree of bodily harm you intended to cause him.
“Whilst your premeditation was not long-standing, it cannot be said it was lacking altogether.”
Mohammed Umar Khan was sentenced to life with a 16-year minimum, minus the time he has already spent on remand.
The judge concluded: “For the murder of Harvey Willgoose, I pass the only sentence which the law allows me to pass.
“You will remain in secure custody until the parole board decides you may be considered for release.
“There is no guarantee you will be released at the end of that time.”
As he was sentenced, Khan appeared to nod in court.
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