Overview
- He must serve at least 23 years before the Parole Board can consider release.
- Judge Howard Crowson said Franco calmly prepared and concealed a flick knife, lured the unarmed teenager closer, and rejected his self-defence claim as a lie.
- Prosecutors said the blade was driven about 6cm into Ahmad’s neck, severing vital structures and causing immediate, massive blood loss.
- The jury found Franco guilty after just over three hours of deliberation, with evidence of his prior interest in knives, threatening messages, and recent drug use.
- West Yorkshire Police released trial CCTV showing the lead-up and aftermath and called the attack motiveless, while Ahmad’s family recalled his hopes of safety and a future as a doctor.