LEICESTER – An 18-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Khaleed Oladipo, a 20-year-old cybersecurity student at De Montfort University, after a fatal stabbing on Oxford Street in Leicester city centre, Leicestershire Police said.
The force said Harper Dennis, of North Road, West Drayton, London, is accused of murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Police added he has also been charged with two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place that are not connected to the murder investigation.
The case places a spotlight on a high-harm violent crime in a busy city-centre location and moves the investigation into the courts phase, with a first appearance scheduled at Leicester magistrates’ court, according to police. The alleged attack took place close to De Montfort University buildings and student accommodation, underlining continuing concerns among local authorities and universities about knife crime affecting young people in urban areas.
Charges and first court appearance
Leicestershire Police said Dennis faces the following counts:
- Murder.
- Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
- Two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, described by the force as unrelated to the murder inquiry.
Police said Dennis is due to appear at Leicester magistrates’ court, where the case will be formally put before the bench and his identity and the charges confirmed in open court. Any application for bail would be determined under the framework set out in the Bail Act, with prosecutors and defence invited to make brief representations.
Victim formally identified by family
Oladipo was living in Leicester while studying cybersecurity at De Montfort University. His family issued a public tribute, describing him as an “extremely loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and friend” with a deep passion for football.
“We cannot begin to put into words how sad we are to have lost Khaleed.
“Khaleed was a good boy who loved his family. He was in his second year at university, and we were so proud of him.
“One of his main passions was football and he had played since the age of four. He was an Arsenal supporter and we believe he was on his way home to watch the game later that night when he was stabbed and killed.
“We want to thank the members of the public who stopped to try and help Khaleed and the ambulance service and hospital staff who did all they could to try and save him.”
De Montfort University said support had been offered to students and staff affected by the incident, and local community safety partners are expected to review security and awareness measures in the area as the court process unfolds.
How murder cases proceed in England and Wales
Under the legal framework of the Homicide Act 1957 and subsequent legislation, murder is one of the most serious offences tried in the criminal courts of England and Wales. Once a suspect is charged, strict contempt of court rules apply and reporting must not assert guilt or risk prejudicing a future jury.
Key stages typically include:
- Arrest and charge: After arrest, a suspect may be charged if police and prosecutors consider there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to proceed. From this point, the case is “active” in law and reporting must avoid speculation about the defendant’s guilt.
- First appearance before magistrates: All defendants charged with murder appear first at a magistrates’ court for procedural matters. The bench confirms the defendant’s details, outlines the charges and addresses issues such as legal representation and any initial bail application.
- Allocation to the Crown Court: Murder is an indictable-only offence. After the short first hearing, the case is sent to the Crown Court, where a judge will oversee further hearings, including a plea hearing, case management and any eventual trial by jury.
- Separate weapon charges: Allegations of possessing offensive weapons are separate criminal offences and are usually handled alongside, but legally distinct from, any homicide count. Sentencing for these offences is guided by statutory provisions and the Sentencing Council’s guidelines on knife and weapon offences.
Dennis is due to appear at Leicester magistrates’ court, with the case then expected to be sent to the Crown Court for further hearings.
