Boy, 14, locked up after teenager stabbed in head

Violence flared after the defendant – 14 at the time but now aged 15 – clashed with three other youths at Wolverhampton bus station on December 7, the city’s Crown Court heard.

He had appeared to be waiting for somebody because he kept checking his phone until the three came into view, said Mr Mark Phillips, prosecuting.

The court heard words were exchanged with one of the three until the defendant walked away. He was followed by the youth he had argued with who punched him from behind and tried to kick him.

The defendant then turned on him after producing a 10in long military-style combat knife with a serrated blade.

This put the attacker to flight but a second member of the group was slower to move and was stabbed in the back of the head as he escaped, continued Mr Phillips.

The wound was said to have needed at least six stitches. None of those involved would reveal the reason for the row which triggered the stabbing.

A police officer saw the defendant running after the other two while still holding the knife but there was no further violence as they disappeared among pedestrians outside the bus station.

The defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, was arrested at his grandmother’s Wolverhampton home three days later.

Mr Jon Roe, defending, said the youth had been ‘manipulated’ by people who were more ‘criminally aware’ and continued: “He started receiving information that people were out to get him and he became concerned for his safety. Because he was being threatened by people carrying knives he did too.

“This offence has opened his eyes and made him realise where his life was heading. It has enabled him to reassess and the probation service report that if he continues to work with them he can turn his back on his former ways.”

The defendant, who had previous convictions for possession of both a knife and a sword, admitted wounding with intent and possession of a knife.

He was sentenced to three years detention by Judge Michael Challinor, who said: “You have to be properly discouraged from continuing your fascination with knives.

"People who carry a knife for protection because other young people are doing the same are in a vicious circle and the court must do all it can to break that cycle by ensuring that the public realise that if they behave like that they will end up in custody.”