Fred Shand’s father describes ‘insufferable pain’ of losing 16-year-old son ahead of sentencing

“When Fred was taken, so was my heart. My life will never be the same”
Katie Wheatley
By Katie Wheatley
Published 30th Nov 2023, 16:52 GMT
Updated 30th Nov 2023, 16:53 GMT
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Ahead of the sentencing of the defendants who stood trial following the fatal stabbing of Fred Shand, an impact statement was read on behalf of his father Rohan Shand – who described the “insufferable pain” he has suffered.

The 15-year-old found guilty of Fred Shand’s murder was today (November 30) given a life sentence for his age at the time of the incident, 14 years old, meaning he will serve a minimum term of 13 years.

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This also covers his guilty plea to possession of an article with a blade or sharp point in a public place on March 22.

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Rohan Shand, known affectionately as Fred, died after being stabbed near the Cock Hotel in Harborough Road at about 3.35pm on March 22 while on his way home from Kingsthorpe College.Rohan Shand, known affectionately as Fred, died after being stabbed near the Cock Hotel in Harborough Road at about 3.35pm on March 22 while on his way home from Kingsthorpe College.
Rohan Shand, known affectionately as Fred, died after being stabbed near the Cock Hotel in Harborough Road at about 3.35pm on March 22 while on his way home from Kingsthorpe College.

The 17-year-old, who was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter but pleaded guilty to carrying an article with a blade or sharp point in a public place on March 22, was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order.

Rohan Shand’s statement, read in court by Miss Jane Bickerstaff KC, said: “Words cannot describe how I feel and the impact of losing Fred has had on not just me but my family, Fred’s friends, and the whole town.

“Losing Fred has left me with sleepless nights, anxiety, and insufferable pain. When Fred was taken, so was my heart. My life will never be the same.

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“When I wake up in the morning, I forget for a moment and shout Fred for school, make two cups of tea and then it all comes crashing down. All I have left is memories and photos of his upbringing and fun times.

“Fred was my best friend, my son and I relied on him to help me with technology, he would help order things online and he would also help around the house. We were a team and faced everything together.

“I will never get over losing my Fred, we had such a close bond. We had so many plans for the future. He didn’t even get to sit his GCSEs, get married, have children, and explore the world. Before Fred’s passing, he was planning to get an apprenticeship in bricklaying.

“I know Fred would have gone on to do amazing things but now all those dreams have been shattered.”

Miss Bickerstaff KC concluded by saying that she has seen “how utterly devastated” the family are and the way they attended the trial with “dignity every single day”.