A teenage boy appeared at Sheffield Youth Court, charged with the murder of 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose, who was stabbed to death at a school in the city.
Harvey died after an incident at All Saints Catholic High School on Granville Road, at about 12.17pm on Monday.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with murder, possession of a bladed article and affray.
District Judge Tim Spruce said: “It is early days in this investigation but this allegation involves a knife, a hunting knife, being taken into school and used to stab another pupil in broad daylight resulting in the death of that pupil.”
The boy spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address when he appeared at a 40-minute hearing at Sheffield Youth Court on Wednesday. The hearing was attended by his father and uncle, as well as members of the press. He has been remanded into youth detention accommodation and will appear again at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Yorkshire and Humberside, Chris Hartley, said: “We have authorised South Yorkshire Police to charge a 15-year-old with murder in relation to the death of Harvey Willgoose, 15, at All Saints Catholic High School on 3 February. He has also been charged with possession of a bladed article and one count of affray.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that the youth has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Harvey’s family returned to visit the school on Tuesday where flowers, balloons and cards had been left for the popular pupil.
They released a statement after the visit via South Yorkshire Police which said: “We are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful boy, ‘Harvey Goose’. Our lives are devastated and will never be the same again.
“We have lost a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and most importantly, a best friend to all. Harvey will be forever known for being a caring, loving and funny young man.
They concluded: “At this difficult time we ask you to please respect our privacy as we grieve as a family.”
His mother Caroline shared a TikTok video montage of her son growing up that included photos of the pair on holiday together.
She said: “Our Harvey. No words. Why, why why? Love you always my baby boy. Life is never going to be the same.”
The week before, the school had gone into lockdown after “threats of violence” were made between pupils, parents were told on January 29.
Steve Davies, the chief executive of the St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust that runs the secondary school, called Harvey an “invaluable part of the school community” and said that the loss was under “the most shocking and tragic circumstances.
A Mass will be held for Harvey at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Handsworth, at 10am on Saturday.
