Leeds teen may receive reduced sentence for 'heinous' stabbing murder of Alfie Lewis in Horsforth
A teenager convicted of the murder Leeds schoolboy Alfie could have his sentence shortened after less than seven years in jail.
Alfie was just 15-years-old when he was fatally stabbed in broad daylight outside a school in Horsforth in November 2023, a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the city and left his family devastated.
Bardia Shojaeifard, then 15, was sentenced to life in prison last summer over the killing, which saw him stab Alfie in the heart with a kitchen knife that he had brought into school.
He was told he must serve at least 13 years in prison, though the Ministry of Justice rules state that due to his age he may be able to apply for a review of his sentence at the half way point.
Alfie’s mother, Heather Lane, told the BBC that she was left “disgusted” after finding out from the MoJ.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The murder of Alfie Lewis was a heinous crime, and our greatest sympathy goes to his mother and family.
“Bardia Shojaeifard will only be released if the Parole Board - which is independent of government - decides it is safe after a thorough risk assessment. Even if released, he will be monitored by the Probation Service and can be brought back to jail to keep the public safe."
A request for a review of the minimum tariff length is considered by the High Court, which decides whether to reduce the tariff and by how much.
The MoJ states that the threshold for a reduction is based on “exceptional progress” by the individual. Any reduction in the tariff brings forward the individual’s parole eligibility but does not release the prisoner.