Teenage boy sentenced after carrying out two stabbings in Worthing
He was just 14 at the time of the attacks
A child, who stabbed two other teenagers in Worthing at the age of just 14, has been convicted.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, received a custodial sentence of four years and six months at West Sussex Youth Court on Monday (January 18th).
It follows two separate attacks carried out on October 1st, 2019.
Shortly before 4pm that day, he approached a 16-year-old boy in Orme Road and demanded he empty his pockets.
He then punched the boy, who attempted to continue on his journey, and then stabbed him in the arm.
The victim called police and was taken to hospital for treatment. Nothing was reported stolen.
The teenager then travelled by train to Goring railway station, before becoming involved in an altercation with another 16-year-old boy at around 4.50pm.
This continued into the station car park, where the defendant stabbed the victim three times to the chest and abdomen area, requiring hospital treatment.
Around an hour later, the defendant was spotted with another youth in the area by a police helicopter. They attempted to hide in a railway underpass but were both swiftly arrested.
The teenager, who is from Worthing, was charged with attempted robbery, committing grievous bodily harm, possession of cannabis, and two counts of possession of a knife in public, all of which he pleaded guilty to.
The other youth arrested was later released and faced no further action.
Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, District Commander for Adur, Worthing and Horsham, said:
“Thankfully the two victims in this case recovered without suffering life-changing or life-threatening injuries, but it could have been a whole lot worse.
Carrying a knife puts you and those around you at significant risk, and possession of any offensive weapon in public is a serious offence. This is reflected in the sentence imposed.
“We are aware of the concern within the Worthing community surrounding violence involving and affecting young people, and we continue to work with partners to combat this behaviour and seek to reduce the level of violence involving young people.
“In order to achieve this, we also need the support of our local community, and there are many ways you can report matters of concern. You can either contact us online or by calling 101, or you can contact Fearless or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
If you are in danger or you see someone else in danger, please dial 999.