Stabbed boy, 16, ‘could have died’

THUG KNIFED TEENAGER IN ‘PRE-ARRANGED’ FIGHT

A BOY of 16 ‘could have died’ after being stabbed in a ‘pre-arranged’ fight between teenagers on a Tameside field, a court heard.

Leo Moran, 18, who stabbed the boy, was sentenced to four years in a young offenders institution.

His friend, Mikey Whittaker, also 18, was spared custody after admitting having a sword when he was caught by police.

Manchester Crown Court heard two youths arranged a ‘fist fight’ in broad daylight in Copperas Field in Droylsden last summer.

Shocking CCTV footage of the brawl, which was uploaded to social media, shows two topless youths squaring up to each other, while about 10 to 15 others watch on.

Yards away, a group of about 20 children, aged 10 or 11, were taking part in a football training session.

The fight lasted for a few minutes but ‘petered out,’ prosecutor Mark Monaghan said, with those involved suffering no serious injuries.

But a further incident developed after the fight, and it appeared that some of the youths had brought weapons to the playing field. Moran took a hammer to the fight, and a ‘fracas’ ensued, the court heard.

He was pushed to the ground and attacked before he got up and ran towards the 16-year-old boy.

The boy later said that he was about to kick Moran ‘in the face’ before he was stabbed in the chest.

He suffered a punctured lung. The victim spent four days in hospital, but made a full recovery.

While being addressed by defence counsel, Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said: “It isn’t Peaky Blinders on the streets of Manchester is it?”

Both Moran and Whittaker have no previous convictions.

Whittaker was sentenced to 12 months in a young offender institution, suspended for two years. He must complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

Addressing Moran as he sent him down, Judge Goddard said: “This was a very serious incident. This young man could have died that day. But there is a good side to you.”

Moran, of Philip Avenue, Denton, pleaded guilty to one count of section 18 wounding and two counts of possessing an offensive a weapon, namely a knife and a hammer.

Whittaker, of Colwyn Avenue, Fallowfield, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a sword.