Teenager sentenced to five years following Meadowcroft Fields stabbing

A 16-year-old boy has been given a five-year custodial sentence after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent following a stabbing in Swindon.

The teenager, who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today (14/12).

The sentence relates to an incident in Meadowcroft Fields, Swindon on June 8, when a 17-year-old boy suffered life-threatening knife injuries.

The defendant was arrested the following day.

DC Corrina Wiltshire of Swindon CID said: “There can be no place for incidents like this in Swindon or anywhere else across Wiltshire.

“This was a targeted assault where the defendant, who knew the victim, has gone looking for him and has then proceeded to stab him multiple times.

“The victim has needed to go through extensive treatment for his injuries. The incident also happened in broad daylight in a park with multiple people including children around, which must have been traumatic to witness.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who administered potentially lifesaving first aid before the emergency services arrived.

“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.

“A key element of this is visiting schools across the county to educate children on the dangers of carrying knives and how they should respond if someone they know is carrying a knife.

“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.”