Man jailed for stabbed teenager over a Gucci bag in Derby
Police say the victim survived "thanks to the quick-thinking of his friends and passers-by"
A Derby man who stabbed a teenager in the neck after he refused to hand over his Gucci bag has been jailed.
The victim, 18, was walking home from a house party in Chaddesden on June 26th 2021, when he and his friends were approached by Nathaniel Kiruma.
The 19-year-old from Cotton Lane, demanded the victim handed over his Gucci bag.
When he was refused, Kiruma stabbed the victim in the left side of his neck and the through his left hand, which required emergency surgery.
Derbyshire Constabulary say his life was saved "thanks to the quick-thinking of his friends and passers-by at the scene, as well as the efforts of medical staff at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham".
Kiruma was arrested but refused to answer any questions in his police interview
He initially denied attempted murder but pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery and possession of a bladed article at Derby Crown Court on Monday 5th June.
He was sentenced to five and half years in prison at Derby Crown Court.
Detective Constable Tim Phillips, who led the investigation, said: “The medical evidence showed that the injury sustained by the victim was so serious that it almost cost him his life.
"I would like to pass on my own gratitude to all those who directly helped with the first aid given to the victim, ranging from his friends and passers-by through to the quick attendance and skills of the attending clinicians and hospital surgeons.
He said: "Had it not been for their quick thinking and actions, there could have been a much more devastating outcome.
"The local community should also be praised for their understanding during a period of disruption when police cordons were in place whilst forensics officers completed their examinations as well as for the intelligence provided during the investigation.
“This case shows that anyone who carries a knife or other weapon in public not only puts themselves and others at risk of serious harm but could also face a substantial custodial sentence.”