Consett man stabbed 16 times calls for tougher knife crime sentencing
Josh Henley was stabbed 16 times with a number of knives and an axe while at the gym 3 years ago.
MPs have debated introducing stricter sentencing guidelines for people who commit knife crimes. MP Will Quincy said
“Too many people, particularly our young people, still find it acceptable to carry blades and knives, they wrongly believe that doing so will keep them safe. But let us be clear, carrying a knife does not keep you safe, it is illegal and it puts them and others in grave danger”
Well someone who knows first-hand the importance of tough sentences for knife attackers is 25-year-old Josh Henley from Consett. He’s pleased it has been discussed in parliament.
“It’s good to hear that it’s being debated, hopefully some good implications with come out of it.”
Three years ago he was victim to an unprovoked frenzied attack when he was stabbed by a man armed with several knives and an axe while at the gym. Josh suffered 16 stab wounds and was in a critical condition in hospital.
His attacker was found to be a paranoid schizophrenic and sentenced to indefinite detainment at a secure hospital facility.
“In my case I was fortunate that the maximum sentence that could be imposed was imposed. I think that just gives some closure for victims and some level of satisfaction that it might deter other people”
But Josh told us that not all victims feel their attackers are handed such heavy penalties. He claims many victims are left living in fear as they consider their attacker’s punishments to be too lenient.
He says he has to live with the painful memories of his attack every day.
“I can picture every detail…it’s quite traumatic. It’s something you learn to deal with and you go through phases, it’s easy to be angry initially with it being an unprovoked attack, but it just becomes something you live with every day”