The truth behind the Sheffield school murder: Why Harvey Willgoose’s killer was named in court
Harvey Willgoose with his father Mark. Image Source: Family handout/PA
The courtroom in Sheffield fell silent as Mrs Justice Naomi Ellenbogen handed 15-year-old Mohammed Umar Khan a life sentence for murdering fellow student Harvey Willgoose. The judge ruled that Khan’s identity could now be revealed, ending months of anonymity since the February stabbing that shocked the nation.
Harvey, also 15, was attacked during lunchbreak at All Saints Catholic High School. CCTV showed Khan confronting Harvey before stabbing him twice in the chest with a 13-centimetre hunting knife. The judge rejected any notion of self-defence, describing Khan’s act as a “devastating betrayal of friendship” that “blighted” the lives of all who knew Harvey.
Why the Judge Lifted the Killer’s Anonymity
In a rare decision, Justice Ellenbogen explained that Khan’s age alone was not enough to preserve his anonymity. She ruled that the public had a right to know the identity of someone who committed such a grave offence, particularly one that occurred on school grounds.
Media outlets including Sky News successfully argued that open justice outweighed protection due to youth. The judge also reasoned that naming Khan now would not harm his rehabilitation, as he would have been publicly identified at 18 anyway.
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During the trial, jurors were shown harrowing footage of the attack. Witnesses described panic spreading through corridors as students fled in fear. A teacher’s “act of bravery” prevented further violence when he disarmed Khan moments later.
Prosecutors revealed that the teen had previously brought weapons to school and searched online for “zombie killer knives.” The court heard that he told a teacher afterward, “I’m not right in the head. My mum doesn’t look after me right.” Despite his claims of emotional instability, psychological assessments found no disorder that excused the murder.
Family’s Devastation and Plea for Change
Harvey’s sister, Sophie Willgoose, read a heartbreaking victim statement: “In that moment, our world was shattered forever. The defendant didn’t just end Harvey’s life, he ended ours too.” Their mother, Caroline, said she feels “no feelings” for Khan but believes both boys were “let down.”
The family has since channelled their grief into a campaign against knife crime in schools, urging the government to install metal-detector arches across UK educational institutions. Their call echoes growing national concern about youth violence and the need for early mental-health intervention.
Authorities Urge Action on Knife Crime
Following the verdict, South Yorkshire’s deputy mayor for policing, Kilvinder Vigurs, described the case as a “stark reminder” of the dangers facing young people. She stressed that tackling knife violence “is not just a policing issue, but a societal one,” pledging that local authorities would intensify prevention efforts through education and community support programs.
FAQ
Who was Harvey Willgoose?
Harvey Willgoose was a 15-year-old student at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield, known for his warmth and humour. He was murdered by his classmate Mohammed Umar Khan in February 2025.
Who is Mohammed Umar Khan?
Mohammed Umar Khan, 15, was Harvey’s schoolmate and friend. He was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years after a violent stabbing at their school.
Why was his identity revealed?
Judge Naomi Ellenbogen lifted Khan’s anonymity, ruling that the public interest in open justice outweighed youth-protection laws. The media had requested that he be named due to the seriousness of the crime.
What sentence did he receive?
Khan was sentenced to life detention with a minimum of 16 years, meaning he must serve at least that period before being eligible for parole.
What has Harvey’s family said?
His sister Sophie and mother Caroline have spoken publicly about their grief, describing how their “world was shattered forever.” They continue to campaign for knife-crime prevention in schools.
How are authorities responding to the case?
South Yorkshire officials and national policymakers have renewed calls for stricter school security and early interventions to stop youth violence before it escalates.