In Portslade, two 16-year-olds, hailing from Hove and Portslade respectively, have been sentenced for their involvement in the stabbing of a boy. The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 August, when a 15-year-old boy reported being attacked on nearby Valley Road.
Both perpetrators initially fled the scene, but were apprehended by law enforcement. One was arrested within 20 minutes, while the other was later linked to the crime. Their identities remain protected due to their age.
The victim was lured to Valley Road shortly before 2:30am, where he was ambushed by the two assailants. They pursued him down the road, forcibly pushing him over and stabbing him in the back. He received treatment in the hospital for three days and ultimately made a complete recovery.
Following the arrests, a knife was discovered at the scene, along with a jacket that was forensically linked to one of the boys.
In proceedings at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 June, the 16-year-old from Portslade admitted to committing grievous bodily harm with intent and carrying a knife. The other, residing in Hove, appeared before Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 August, and pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.
The 16-year-old from Portslade was sentenced at Brighton Youth Court on Friday, 8 September, receiving a 16-month youth detention. The 16-year-old from Hove was sentenced at Brighton Youth Court on Friday, 22 September, and was given a two-year supervision order.
Investigator Rose Horan said: “The motive behind this pre-meditated attack was robbery.
“The CCTV is chilling – we see the two masked youths approach their victim, a 15-year-old child, chase him and knock him to the ground. One of the youths stabs him in the back with a large kitchen knife.
“In terms of youth crime, this is about as dangerous and cowardly as it gets. It could so easily have had a tragic ending.
“Our officers were able to bring them into custody very swiftly after the emergency call came in. Please report any crimes to us online or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”
