23-year-old jailed after killing expectant dad in Leeds stabbing
18-year-old Jamie Meah was killed in 2023.
Last updated 3rd Feb 2025
A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of killing a teenager in Leeds.
Ranei Wilks was found not guilty of murder, but of manslaughter following the death of 18-year-old Jamie Meah in March of 2023.
23-year-old Wilks, fled the country after the attack, alongside three other men, who have an arrest warrant against them.
Wilks returned back to England in April last year, and was arrested at Leeds Bradford Airport, following a flight from Turkey.
Jamie Meah had only just turned 18 years old when he was stabbed and fatally wounded in an incident in Hall Lane, Armley, on March 31, 2023.
A 16-year-old boy was also stabbed and seriously injured in the attack.
Wilks had been standing trial at Leeds Crown Court after he denied murder, attempted murder and two counts of possession of a bladed article, one of which relates to a separate incident.
He has been found not guilty of attempted murder, but guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The 23 year old has also been found guilty of two counts of possession of a bladed article.
A statement from Jamie Meah's family said:
"Losing Jamie was the worst day of our lives. Jamie was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, partner and friend. Jamie never got the chance to meet his son, and we know he would have made a great dad. He was kind, caring and funny and we all deeply feel the pain of facing the future without him.
"You never think something like this will happen to your family. The moment we were told of Jamie’s death, the shock was indescribable, the disbelief, confusion, then the devastating realisation that it was true. Our family will never be the same, our heartbreak will stay with us, knowing that we will never see Jamie again.
"It is coming up to the two-year anniversary of Jamie’s death and there are still three men wanted for his murder. Our pain and distress will continue, until all those responsible are brought to justice.
"Anyone who is prepared to carry a weapon should understand the devastation it causes when it is used. Too many young lives are being taken in violent circumstances leaving heartbroken families to pick up the pieces.
"Our only consolation, the only thing we have left and what gives us strength to carry on is the desire to get justice for Jamie and his son.
"As a family we would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and the emergency services who tried to save Jamie’s life. We would like to thank the witnesses who stepped forward and gave statements to the investigation team."