Worthing child sentenced to over four years in custody after multiple stabbings

A Worthing teenager has been sentenced to more than four years in custody after pleading guilty to stabbing two people.
Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817806 SUS-180108-084417001Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817806 SUS-180108-084417001
Police. Pic Steve Robards SR1817806 SUS-180108-084417001

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted following two attacks that took place when he was just 14 years old.

According to Sussex Police, on October 1, 2019, the teenager approached a 16-year-old boy just before 4pm in Orme Road and demanded he empty his pockets.

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He then punched him and, after the boy tried to continue on his journey, stabbed him in the arm.

The victim called police and was taken to hospital for treatment, but nothing was reported stolen.

Police said the defendant then travelled by train to Goring Railway Station and, at around 4.50pm, got into an altercation with another 16-year-old boy.

It continued into the station car park, where he stabbed the boy three times in the chest and abdomen, requiring hospital treatment.

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He was spotted around an hour later by the police helicopter as he and another youth tried to hide in a railway underpass.

The defendant, 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.

At West Sussex Youth Court on Monday (January 18), he was given a custodial sentence of four years and six months.

The other youth was also arrested but was released and faced no further action.

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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.

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Sussex Police is also committed to tackling knife crime in general, and officers work with young people across the county through education, engagement and intervention, as well as carrying out proactive patrols to increase visibility and respond to incidents when necessary.

Chief Insp Leadbeatter added: “Our priority is keeping young people safe from harm and ensuring they’re aware of the dangers of carrying a knife.

“Getting caught with a knife can change your life. We want people to realise that carrying these dangerous weapons could affect their futures, and we want to work with them to prevent this.

“Knife crime is a complex issue; and to create real long-lasting change it’s essential that we work together to help keep young people safe and knife free.”