Court decision 'welcome' after machete incident

Police were called to Warwickshire College, in Leamington Spa, after reports a boy had threatened someone with a knife

A college in Leamington Spa said it has increased on-site security after a teenage boy was detained for threatening a student with a machete on campus.

The Leamington Spa campus of Warwickshire College was locked down on 23 September, due to what police described as a "terrifying" incident.

The boy, from Warwick, admitted to possession of and threatening someone with a blade on college premises and affray, and was sentenced to 20 months at a youth detention centre.

Sara-Jane Watkins, CEO and Principal of Warwickshire College Group, said the college "welcomes" the conclusion of the court process.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, was sentenced at Coventry Youth Court on 25 September, where he was also handed a training order.

He had also pleaded guilty at earlier hearings to possession of a knife and assault by beating in relation to a separate incident on 23 June.

'Extremely rare'

Ms Watkins said the safety and wellbeing of students and staff "is, and has always been, our highest priority".

"This term, that has included increased on-site security, regular police liaison and patrols, improved intelligence-sharing with partner agencies, proportionate screening as a visible deterrent, clearer entry controls, and regular lockdown drills."

The college said it had also provided extra communications to parents, students and staff so they knew what to do if they had concerns, and reassured them it was working closely with Warwickshire Police.

Ms Watkins added: "Incidents of this nature are extremely rare, and we hope this was a one-off."

South Warwickshire local area commander Ch Insp Simon Ryan said it was an isolated incident and thanked those spoken to during the investigation.

"The case has been dealt with swiftly by the courts and we're pleased with the outcome," he said.

"The boy is still young so I hope he will use the time in youth detention to reflect on his actions and consider turning his life around."

Two other boys arrested on suspicion of violent disorder while police were responding to the knife incident have been bailed until November, the force said.