A 15-year-old teenager who killed a 12-year-old school boy is facing a review of his minimum 13-year sentence by the Attorney General’s Office.

Kian Moulton was given a life sentence for fatally stabbing Leo Ross in a random knife attack at a country park in Birmingham. The incident occurred after Moulton assaulted an 82-year-old woman and two other elderly individuals in January of the previous year.

The sentence was imposed by High Court Judge Mr Justice Choudhury, allowing the possibility of Moulton being released on a life license at the age of 27.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that multiple appeals had been made to review the sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. The Law Officers have a 28-day window post-sentencing to deliberate on the case and reach a decision.

Within the ULS scheme, the Attorney General or Solicitor General can refer Crown Court cases to the Court of Appeal if they perceive the sentence to be excessively lenient. Moulton’s identity was disclosed after a reporting restriction granting him anonymity was lifted by Mr Justice Choudhury.

The judge emphasized the concern over knife crime, especially involving young individuals, stating that revealing Moulton’s name could serve as a deterrent. Despite arguments from Moulton’s defense counsel about the risks to his rehabilitation, the judge deemed it necessary for the public interest to identify Moulton, to understand the circumstances leading to the tragic acts committed.

The judge highlighted Moulton’s premeditated actions and previous serious offenses against other victims, stating that despite his lack of prior convictions, he had already engaged in grave misconduct before committing the murder.