Teen Found Guilty of Killing 15-Year-Old Harvey Willgoose During Lunchtime

Harvey Willgoose's parents are grieving the loss of their son but remain determined to turn their tragedy into action, focusing on raising awareness about knife crime in schools.

A teenager has been found guilty of murdering 15-year-old Sheffield schoolboy Harvey Willgoose, who was fatally stabbed outside his school cafeteria earlier this year. The case has reignited concerns about the growing prevalence of knife crime among young people.

Harvey was killed in February by a fellow student at All Saints Catholic High School, just minutes into the lunch break. The attacker, also 15 and unable to be named for legal reasons, had brought a 13cm hunting knife onto school grounds before stabbing Harvey twice in the chest.

CCTV released after the conviction showed Harvey arriving at school and earlier footage of the defendant appearing to provoke him. Court proceedings revealed that Harvey remained calm during these encounters, while the defendant was later seen holding a knife in the canteen shortly before the attack.

After the boy attacked Harvey, he told teachers "you know I can't control it" and "I'm not right in the head." Additionally, the jury heard that the boy had previously admitted manslaughter but denied murder. His defense team claimed he acted after years of bullying and a period of heightened fear at school.

However, the prosecution argued that he had developed an obsession with weapons in the months leading up to the killing, with images of him posing with knives found on his phone. They said the attack was a deliberate attempt to assert toughness rather than an act committed in a moment of lost control.

After more than 14 hours of deliberation, the jury at Sheffield Crown Court reached a majority verdict of 11 to one, finding the teenager guilty of murder. Sentencing is set for October, when the judge will also decide whether to lift the boy's anonymity.

After the verdict was delivered, Harvey's sister Sophie Willgoose delivered a family statement, "On 3 February, we didn't just lose Harvey, we lost a part of ourselves. Our lives changed forever that day."

She portrayed Harvey as full of life, warm, funny, and caring, with a rare gift for bringing people together and a presence that lit up every room. Sophie added, "This tragedy has not only devastated our family, it has rippled across the country. People everywhere continue to grieve the loss of our beautiful boy."

Sophie also expressed gratitude to those who were with Harvey in his final moments. She pledged to raise awareness about the dangers of knife crime in hopes of creating a better, safer future for everyone.

Detective Inspector Joe Hackworthy, the senior investigating officer in the case, said outside court that the trial had been a heartbreaking reminder of the devastation knife crime brings to communities. He pointed out how it tears lives and families apart, something made especially clear in this tragic case.

He continued, "Tonight, one boy's family will spend 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 behind bars for murder."

The detective thanked the Willgoose family, who had to endure a lengthy trial due to the boy's refusal to admit the full extent of his actions on that tragic day. He also encouraged parents and carers to speak openly and honestly with their children if they suspect they are carrying knives. They are also to alert someone they trust if they believe another person might be doing so.

Harvey's mother, Caroline Willgoose, also spoke out. She reflected on the day she lost her son, saying she felt as though she had led him into harm's way.

She explained that Harvey often avoided school and experienced anxiety about attending. "There's a bigger picture to come out of all this. School isn't for every kid and it's a serious problem - things have got to change," shared Caroline.

Caroline recalled how Harvey chose to go to school that morning without being prompted, "But that day he went and he said: 'Mum, are you proud of me? I'm going to school of my own accord,' and I said yes. Then he said, 'Love you - shut the door behind me.' And they were his last words to me."

While getting ready for work, Caroline received a call from her husband's mother telling her something had happened to Harvey. Moments later, Harvey's dad, Mark Willgoose, phoned, shouting that Harvey had been stabbed, and soon after, a police car arrived at the door.

At first, the officers drove quickly with blue lights flashing, but partway through the journey, they switched off the lights and slowed down, which gave her a brief sense of reassurance. "I thought then he must be OK. Then we got to the hospital and I looked on my phone and someone had posted RIP Harvey. Medics confirmed it. We were just screaming," she narrated.

Now, Caroline believes many people are unaware of the widespread presence of knives in schools, describing it as a way of life for young people that must come to an end.

During the trial, it emerged that the defendant had a history of violent outbursts at school. A few months before Harvey was killed, the school had contacted police after the defendant's mother reported finding a weapon in his bag at home.

Hence, Harvey's parents, believe the school had not treated previous knife-related incidents seriously enough and were certain the outcome could have been different had they done so.

Still, Steve Davies, the head of St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust, which includes All Saints, said that Harvey's death was an unimaginable tragedy for everyone involved.

He noted, "We think especially of Harvey's family, loved ones and friends today. We cannot begin to imagine the immeasurable impact the loss of Harvey has had on them.

Steve described Harvey as a much-loved, positive, and outgoing pupil whose memory would be cherished by all who knew him. He added that his death had devastated the community, which continues to think of him every day.

"Now that the trial has finished, a number of investigations aimed at addressing and answering these questions will be able to proceed. We will engage fully and openly with them to help ensure every angle is considered and no key questions are left unresolved," Steve vowed.

Caroline, who described her son as a character who never stopped smiling or singing, is also now determined to raise awareness about knife crime. She is campaigning for all schools and colleges to introduce knife arches and for people to speak directly to students about the devastation caused by such violence.

Caroline and Mark are also working to set up "Harvey’s Hub," a youth club initiative designed to give young people a place to meet and socialise. Inspired by her own memories of attending youth clubs, Caroline hopes to create safe spaces where teenagers can relax with friends, enjoy food, listen to music, and connect with others.

She believes that many youngsters, having lost a significant part of their childhood to the pandemic, need opportunities to rebuild their social confidence. The summer taster sessions for Harvey's Hub have already proven popular, with positive feedback from attendees.

"One little girl who came to a recent session told her mum she had made new friends. I went home and cried - I felt like we'd done something positive," shared Caroline.

While still navigating the deep pain of losing her son, Caroline remains driven by his vibrant spirit and fast-paced approach to life. She is finding purpose in creating something positive in his memory.

"Harvey never wanted people arguing, he wanted people to come together. That's what we want from this campaign and I feel he won't let me stop until we've achieved what we’ve set out to do," said Caroline, who has been nominated for the Pride of Britain Award.

Caroline noted that there are no winners when it comes to knife crime. She pointed out that the defendant has ruined his own life and his parents face an empty bed. "He's got to live with this for the rest of his life," she acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Harvey's father, Mark, said his son had lived a short but fulfilling life, making the most of every experience. However, he declared, "Whatever happens in court, it'll never be justice. It'll never be enough."

Mark emphasized that the family’s focus now is on ensuring Harvey's death is not in vain, hoping that their efforts might save at least one life. Aside from his parents, Harvey is survived by his siblings, 28-year-old Sophie and Lewis, 25.