Questions raised over whether boy will be fit to stand trial over killing of a Leeds grandmother

A boy is to be assessed by medical experts to determine if he will be fit to stand trial, having been accused of murdering a Leeds grandmother.
By Nick Frame
Published 24th Nov 2023, 10:17 BST
Updated 24th Nov 2023, 10:23 BST
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The 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning via video link from HMP Wetherby.

He had previously appeared in court in late October days after Mandy Barnett’s death, but had not entered a plea at that point with the court being told that “issues needed to be resolved”.

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The court heard today that an assessment is to be made by next week. Once medical reports are received, a fitness-to-plea hearing will take place on February 9. He was remanded into custody.

Mandy Barnett was stabbed to death at a house on Prince Edward Grove. (pic by WYP / National World)Mandy Barnett was stabbed to death at a house on Prince Edward Grove. (pic by WYP / National World)
Mandy Barnett was stabbed to death at a house on Prince Edward Grove. (pic by WYP / National World)

Officers were called to a house in Prince Edward Grove, near Wortley, shortly after 11pm on Monday, October 23.

Sixty-year-old Mrs Barnett was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was pronounced deceased a short time later. The 17-year-old suspect was quickly arrested.