Boy (12) stabbed in head by 15-year-old

Teenager could have killed lad in city centre attack

This...could easily have resulted in the death of the victim

DC Brett Morley

A 12-year-old boy has been left unable to walk after being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver by a teenager in Peterborough city centre. The boys, who are known to each other, had an altercation in November last year, a few days before the brutal attack. At about 4pm on November 24, 2018, the 12-year-old was with a group of friends in Pipe Lane when the 15-yearold attacker approached him in an aggressive manner before striking him to the side of his head with a single blow, concealing a screwdriver in his hand. The victim was taken to Peterborough City Hospital for treatment but transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for urgent treatment after his condition deteriorated. As a result of the stabbing he had a fractured skull and a bleed on his brain. He was operated on and left to recover in hospital for several weeks, including time in critical care. The youngster was left almost completely paralysed down the left side of his body, unable to walk and with partial memory loss. Police said the injuries could have proved fatal, but the lad has since made a significant recovery, regaining movement. However he still suffers with his memory as a result of the attack. Last week the 15-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He had originally appeared at Huntingdon Youth Court, but the case had been sent to the crown court because of the ‘grave’ nature of the offence. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment in a young offender institution, and banned from contacting the victim for an indefinite period. DC Brett Morley said the case should act as a warning to those who carry weapons. He said: “This crime is an example of serious street based violence involving both a young victim and young offender with a weapon and could have easily resulted in the death of the victim. “I would like to thank the victim and his family for their support and patience during what has been a difficult time for them all. “I hope this sentence provides them some reassurance that justice has been served.” Anyone with information about someone who carries a weapon is urged to report it to police either by calling 101 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/ report.