Teen jailed for ‘vicious’ and ‘brutal’ knife attack

A TEENAGER has been jailed for repeatedly stabbing a man after he bought a loaf of bread in a “vicious” and “brutal” attack in Cardiff.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted wounding his victim with intent while he was out walking with his girlfriend on a Sunday afternoon.

Sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Jenkins told the defendant: “You could so easily have killed him.”

The court heard the incident occurred at about 1pm on Sunday, June 18 on Meteor Street in Adamsdown.

David Pugh, prosecuting, said the 18-year-old victim had just bought a loaf of bread and was crossing the road when the defendant shouted: “What the f*** are you looking at?”

Prosecutors said the victim asked him what he meant, as he was not looking at anything, and the defendant became “aggressive”.

Mr Pugh told the court: “He reached into his waistband and pulled out a large knife.”

The defendant’s girlfriend tried to pull him away as he began to approach the victim, who attempted to run off but tripped and fell. He suffered four stab wounds – to his shoulder, thigh, calf and chest – which required 15 stitches.

A passer-by called 999 and got towels to help stop the bleeding.

The defendant was arrested on July 7 and police recovered a kitchen knife with a 9in blade from his bedroom.

He was later picked out by the victim at an identity parade and gave a no-comment interview to police.

In a statement read out in court, the victim said: “One afternoon, I was going out to get a loaf of bread and I ended up getting stabbed four times.

“I just can’t believe what happened. I have been in pain ever since.”

He said he could not eat and had lost a significant amount of weight since the incident.

The victim said he also struggles to sleep and suffers from flashbacks.

He added: “Since the incident, I don’t really go out, I just stay inside. I don’t feel I’m the same person and I’m not sure I will ever properly get over this.”

Prosecutors said the defendant had been before the courts for five previous offences, including criminal damage, possessing an offensive weapon and battery.

The court heard he was caught with a truncheon and bit someone’s hand.

The teenager, who was studying for his A-levels, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.

Derrick Gooden, defending, said he achieved good GCSE results and described him as “engaging” and “intellectual”.

He said his client had experienced “distressing personal difficulties” from a young age.

Mr Gooden told the court the teenager carried a knife to protect himself due to “difficulties” he had experienced in the area previously.

Judge Jenkins asked: “Why did this happen?”

He read from a letter the defendant sent him saying: “Regardless of my upbringing, I have still tried to make the best of my situation and attempted to make my life successful and fulfilling.

“I completely understand the seriousness of my offending and that I must be punished for it.”

The judge noted he was an “intelligent and articulate young man” and said he did not consider him to be a dangerous offender.

He told the defendant: “I have to sentence you for what can only be described as a vicious, brutal and sustained attack upon a young man who had done you no harm at all.”

The teen was sentenced to six years’ detention in a young offender institution. The judge told him: “Use those years to better yourself.”