Teenagers sentenced after stabbing of 16-year-old

A 16-year-old boy was stabbed in his back and required seven stitches

Three teenagers have been sentenced following a stabbing in Royal Wootton Bassett.

On the evening of 3 June, a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in his back and required seven stitches.

A 17-year-old boy from Swindon, and a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old from Royal Wootton Bassett, pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

The 17-year-old from Swindon was sentenced to 20 months in prison and given a four-year restraining order, the boys from Royal Wootton Bassett were given referral orders and a one-year restraining order at Swindon Youth Court on Wednesday.

Lifelong impact

DC Chris Hemns said: “There can be no place for incidents like this in Wiltshire.

"The impact of knife crime on our communities can’t be underestimated, and it is a force priority to target those who are carrying knives.

“Even one incident involving a knife is too many, and I’d urge anybody who feels the need to carry a knife, whether to proactively use it or for their own protection, to please consider otherwise. The impact of doing so can be lifelong.

“We are continuing to undertake a significant amount of work on the streets and with our partners to get to the root of knife crime.

“It is not, however, a problem that can be solved by the police alone. It will require a long term, joined up approach between the police, our partners, and parents to educate young people on the risks you take by carrying knives.”