London teenager who "died" tells attackers "I did not deserve this"
A 19 and 20-year old have today been jailed for life for the stabbing in Brixton
A teenage knife crime victim who effectively died on the street for nearly an hour has told his attackers "I did not deserve this" - as they were jailed for life.
James Bascoe-Smith, then aged 16, was left in a wheelchair after he was knocked off a bicycle and repeatedly knifed by masked men in Brixton, south London, last February.
The court heard James was the entirely innocent victim of a gang stabbing.
Today (4th Nov), his attackers - Leon Rashid, 20, from Thornton Heath and Taiquane Lewis, 19 from Kenington, were jailed for life - with a minimum of 14 years and 13 years respectively, for conspiracy to murder.
James was surrounded by family and friends at the Old Bailey as the sentences were handed down.
During the hearing, a pre-recorded video was played in which James asked why the defendants targeted him and whether they now "feel bad".
He said: "When I was stabbed by these people I remember crying out for my mum and pleading for them to stop.
"I do not remember much and I could not communicate for six months after the attack.
Since the attack my life has changed.
"They have stopped me from driving, going on my first holiday with my friends to celebrate my 18th birthday, gymnastics coaching, working and from becoming a music producer as I was studying this in college."
He described moving away from Brixton, leaving behind friends, neighbours and "everyone that I knew".
He went on: "I now need a carer full time, they are complete strangers to me who come in to provide me my personal care, to feed and clothe me.
"I cannot get out of bed on my own, I can't even brush my own teeth and I need a lot of medication to help me with my recovery.
"I have been left in a wheelchair that is not electric, I rely on everyone to move me, I have no independence.
I did not deserve this, I had no issues with anyone, I don't know why they attacked me
"I now have a brain injury because my heart stopped for nearly an hour, I don't think I will ever be able to work or study again.
"I was very active before the attack, I was very involved in my community and helping my family, I would pick up my little cousins from school help them with their work and I would coach them at gymnastics.
"I did not deserve this, I had no issues with anyone, I don't know why they attacked me, I just want to know why they attacked me and if they feel bad for what they have done."
He added: "I am grateful that the doctors saved my life but living like this is hard , I miss my friends , I miss my old life, every day I wake up knowing this is how I will be forever .
James had been testing a bicycle for his mother when he was targeted near his home.
After being repeatedly stabbed, he shouted "call my mum, call my mum" then collapsed.
He effectively died for nearly an hour before being brought back to life by medics.
He spent 174 days in hospital before being allowed home where he continues to work on his recovery, achieving 100 sit-ups in his wheelchair.