A 16-year-old boy from St Albans who punched and kicked another teenager in Verulamium Park causing him to lose consciousness has been jailed.
The thug took part in the assault with his friend, a 15-year-old boy, also from St Albans, who during the same incident stabbed another victim with a 10-inch knife.
The 15-year-old, who was found guilty of grievous bodily harm, possession of a bladed article and actual bodily harm by a jury at St Albans Crown Court, had his sentencing postponed to January 25.
The 16-year-old offender was jailed for up to 12 months. He must serve a minimum of six months before being considered for release.
Abbe Arnold, speaking in mitigation, said the 16-year-old had expressed his remorse in a letter to the judge.
He said: “I am very sorry for my actions. I don’t want to go to prison. I don’t think I could handle it. I would miss my family.”
Ms Arnold said he was not the instigator and had suffered from depression.
But Judge Michael Kay QC sentenced him to 12 months’ detention.
He told the youth: “This was a cowardly, aggressive violent attack in full view on many young people.
I am quite satisfied that there is clear evidence you were involved in the violence. It was a joint attack. Precisely what you did is not entirely clear.”
The stabbing victim – a 16-year-old boy – had to be airlifted to hospital for emergency surgery.
The assault victim – also a 16-year-old boy – suffered concussion.
St Albans chief inspector, Lynda Coates, said: “The stabbing victim was lucky to survive this horrendous and violent attack and no doubt the traumatic events of that day will stay with both of the young victims and their families for the rest of their lives.
“News of this attack also had an impact on the wider community, who were shocked to hear of young people in St Albans carrying knives and using them to hurt others. We are continuing to work with our partners, to talk to young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.”
0 Comments