Overview

• Leeds Crown Court Judge Howard Crowson imposed life with a 23-year minimum after a jury convicted the 20-year-old on October 9.
• CCTV shown in court captured Franco calling 16-year-old Ahmad Mamdouh al Ibrahim over before producing a concealed flick knife and stabbing his neck.
• Forensic evidence described an approximately 6cm neck wound that caused immediate, massive blood loss, and the court rejected Franco’s self-defence claim.
• Prosecutors highlighted messages and footage showing his interest in knives and a threat to “ching” someone the day before, with tests indicating recent use of multiple drugs.
• West Yorkshire Police released the footage after the verdict, and local policing leaders cited ongoing knife‑crime reduction work in Kirklees.