The sentencing of the 15-year-old killer of Leo Ross revealed a disturbing pattern of violence, as the youth had attacked three elderly women leading up to the fatal stabbing of the schoolboy. Leo Ross was targeted because he was perceived as an 'easy target,' being physically smaller than his assailant and walking home alone from school. The attack on Valerie Mann, an 82-year-old woman, occurred just two days before Leo's murder, where the young criminal attempted to drown her in a Birmingham park while also threatening her life in a chilling manner.

During the court hearing, details of the attack on Mrs. Mann were highlighted, showing the brutal nature of the killer's actions. The court learned that he repeatedly struck her with her own walking stick after failing in his attempt to drown her. This pattern of violence escalated to the horrific murder of Leo Ross at the same location, underscoring a troubling trajectory of aggression and a potential lack of intervention before he escalated his violence to deadly levels.

The 15-year-old was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 13 years for Leo's murder, raising questions about juvenile justice and the measures in place to handle young offenders who exhibit such violent behavior. The case has sparked discussions on the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and children, in a community grappling with the implications of youth violence.