A boy – aged just 13 – has been jailed by Birmingham Crown Court today (Friday 8th March) after admitting he stabbed three boys outside a Selly Oak school.
Machete in trousers
Following the attack, the teenager was arrested from an address in Northfield. He was found to have an 18 inch machete and a combat knife down his trousers.
The boy attacked the trio on Monday 10th December as they left the University of Birmingham School in Weoley Park Road at the end of the school day.
Quick response
Staff responded quickly to call the emergency services, getting two of the injured boys inside to safety. The third, most seriously injured, boy was given first aid at the scene by staff, police officers and paramedics.
Two of the victims – a 14 year old with stomach wounds and a 15 year old with arm wounds – were treated in hospital overnight while another 14 year old also suffered a knife wound.
All three teenagers have thankfully made a full physical recovery.
Jailed
Having admitted one count of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of malicious wounding, the 13 year old today received a custodial sentence of two and a half years.
‘Four very young lives damaged’
DC Simon Kershaw said: “The rise in violence and knife crime has been well-publicised in the media over the last few weeks.
“This case clearly highlights the shocking reality of young people carrying knives into violent situations. A boy, aged just 13, felt the need to arm himself with a deadly weapon and used it to harm not one, but three other teenagers.
“It is only by a stroke of luck that all three victims made a full recovery and did not become yet another knife murder statistic.
“Nevertheless although no-one in this case died, it doesn’t make it any less tragic. Four very young lives have been damaged irreparably. The three victims carry the physical and psychological scars of their attack and the defendant has been jailed for more than two years, considering his youth. There are no winners here.”
Tackling knife crime in Birmingham
The sentencing comes following a two-week period of intense, robust action directed at tackling knife violence in the city of Birmingham.
The force lead for knife crime lead Ian Parnell said: “Extra patrols and extensive stop and search powers are currently being utilised in response to recent violent incidents in the city, and officers have and will deal robustly with anyone seeking to inflict harm in our communities.
“In the long-term there is always more work to do and we will continue to build on the ongoing deterrent work, alongside other agencies, charities and the community, which is a crucial part of our long-term plan to tackle violent crime.”
POWERS: We’re using Section 60 powers again in parts of Birmingham again until 3am tomorrow. They give us the ability to stop and search people without the need to show reasonable grounds. Read more on stop and search here: https://t.co/ga3yBaOsm6 pic.twitter.com/TceejEtcOh
— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) 8 March 2019
If you have any information about knife crime in your area please contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Be fearless…
Fearless is a site where teenagers and young people can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime. It also provides a safe place to give information about crime – 100% anonymously. Tell them what you know, not who you are.