A teenager who attacked a woman in Brighton, leaving her with a serious stab wound, has been sentenced to a two-year detention and training order. The 17-year-old, whose identity is withheld for legal reasons, carried out the assault on Saturday, 25 May, in Church Place.
The incident began as a verbal altercation between the 37-year-old woman and the teenager, who was walking on the opposite side of the street. Witnesses reported hearing the boy claim that the victim had “disrespected him” and that “voices in his head told him to ‘do her in’” before he approached her and carried out the attack. He then fled the scene, leaving the woman with a severe injury.
Emergency services arrived promptly, and the victim was transported to the hospital with a serious stab wound to her head. She has since been discharged and is now continuing her recovery at home.
The suspect was arrested two days later, on Monday, 27 May, and was charged that evening with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a weapon in a public place. He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 28 May, where he pleaded guilty to both charges and was remanded in juvenile detention ahead of his sentencing.
On Friday, 4 October, he returned to the same court, where he received a two-year detention and training order.
Detective Constable Manni Guffogg, who led the investigation, emphasized the gravity of the crime: “This deeply concerning attack, following the most minor of provocations, highlights the serious impact of knife crime and underscores the need for continued efforts to educate individuals about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.”
He continued, “We need to ensure people understand that perceived slights must never be answered with this kind of brutal and reckless violence. The victim in this matter should be commended for providing her evidence to the police in extremely challenging circumstances.”
Detective Constable Guffogg also acknowledged the efforts of those involved in securing a quick resolution to the case: “I would also like to highlight the work of my colleagues in Sussex Police and the Crown Prosecution who worked tirelessly to ensure a swift conviction in this matter.”
Sussex Police urge anyone concerned about someone carrying a knife to report it online or by calling 101. In emergencies, always dial 999.
