Teenage boy sentenced over attempted murder – Banbury

A teenager from Banbury has today (12/5) been sentenced to youth custody after he was found guilty of a vicious attack on a man in the town last summer.

The boy, aged 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of attempted murder following a trial at Oxford Crown Court, which concluded on 12 April.

Returning to Oxford Crown Court today, the boy was sentenced to 12 years in custody.

At just after 4pm on 11 June last year, the victim, a man who was 21 at the time, was stabbed multiple times in People’s Park.

He sustained life-threatening injuries, including multiple stab wounds to his body resulting in a punctured lung.

He was treated in hospital, but thankfully, survived his injuries.

The boy was arrested on 12 June and was charged on 15 June.

Two other boys, aged 16 and 17, were acquitted of attempted murder and section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Oli Harrison, of Banbury CID, said: “This vicious attack was shocking in its ferocity and left the victim with extensive severe injuries in the middle of a warm June afternoon last year.

“The incident happened in full view of members of the public, who witnessed this horrifying and unprovoked attack.

“Had it not been for the quick thinking of many members of the public and medical professionals, the victim in this case may not have survived his injuries.

“I have nothing but praise for all of those who came to his aid when he needed it.

“The carrying of knives in our communities is completely unacceptable and Thames Valley Police is absolutely committed to removing offenders and their weapons from our streets.

“Knife carrying, whether it is used in an offence or not, will not be tolerated in the Thames Valley.

“Harsh consequences await those who feel it is acceptable, and my message to anybody who feels that it is, is you will be targeted, pursued and prosecuted.

“I would once again like to thank all the witnesses who came forward in this investigation.

“Without their help, it would have been challenging to bring this case to court. Because of their evidence, this individual will now serve a considerable custodial sentence.

“Police, our partners and the public need to work as one to help end this scourge of knife crime and violence in the Thames Valley.

“Our communities play a vital role in our efforts to proactively tackle violence within Banbury. We need information about people carrying knives in the area. If anyone has information about knives or violence in Banbury, please report it to us by calling 101 or by making a report on our website.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

KB