Boy, 15, jailed for ‘savage and unprovoked’ Boxing Day stabbing outside Hackney’s JD Sports

A 15-year-old boy has been jailed for six years for brutally stabbing another boy his own age on Boxing Day, leaving him fighting for his life.

The 15-year-old victim was standing outside JD Sports in Mare Street, Hackney Central with a friend, when the defendant - who cannot be named for legal reasons – and an accomplice approached them and started a fight.

The victim’s response was to place the defendant in a headlock – but he pulled out a serrated edged knife from his pocket and stabbed him five times.

The teenager has been left scarred for life, having sustained a wound to his cheek which penetrated through to his mouth requiring plastic surgery. Three wounds to his abdomen also required extensive surgery, and a wound to his back narrowly missed his spine.

The attacker was sentenced at the Old Bailey yesterday after pleading guilty in April to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and being in possession of an offensive weapon.

A statement made by the victim’s mother, read out in court by the judge, described her anguish when she was told her son was fighting for his life, and the ongoing effects the attack has had on his life.

A second defendant was sentenced earlier this year to an 18-month detention order at Stratford Youth Court after pleading guilty to affray and ABH.

Det Insp Paul Ridley from Hackney’s violent crime unit said the attack was “savage and unprovoked”.

“This was a particularly horrific knife attack which took place in broad daylight on a busy street during the Christmas period,” he added.

“There were many families and children present who witnessed the attack and the aftermath.

“The victim has made a good physical recovery but I hope that today’s result will bring a degree of closure to him and his family.

“I would also like to thank everyone present at the scene who came to the assistance of the victim and, along with officers, gave vital first aid. Their fast actions no doubt contributed to saving his life.

“The sentence imposed by the judge reflects the gravity of the offence and that carrying and using knives on the streets of London will not be tolerated and will lead to severe punishment.”