Three jailed for stabbing 16-year-old boy in Northampton town centre
Teen attackers receive six years each, while a 23-year-old man is jailed for 12 years
Three people have been jailed following the stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in broad daylight on Abington Street, Northampton, earlier this year.
The attack, which occurred on 19th May, left the victim in a critical condition with multiple stab wounds to the abdomen. Thanks to the immediate actions of members of the public and ambulance crews, he survived and continues to recover.
Two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were each sentenced to six years in prison at Leicester Crown Court on Friday (5th December). Meanwhile, 23-year-old Hamza Zaki Sharif, formerly of Simons Walk, Northampton, was sentenced to 12 years following his conviction.
Details of the attack
Northamptonshire Police received multiple 999 calls about the incident at around 5pm on 19th May. Officers arrived to find members of the public and ambulance teams administering first aid to the victim.
The offenders had fled the scene, but a prompt investigation led to their arrests. All three were charged with attempted murder, but later convicted of grievous bodily harm under Section 18.
Both 17-year-old offenders admitted to the charges during a hearing at Northampton Crown Court on 3rd September. Sharif was found guilty after a six-day trial that concluded on 4th November.
Reaction from police
Detective Constable Georgia Sampson, the lead investigator, thanked Northamptonshire Police and the public for their roles in saving the victim and bringing the offenders to justice.
“This was an absolutely horrific attack in what is probably the most central and busiest street in Northampton, and the victim is so lucky to still be here.
"Thankfully, he survived the assault and continues with his recovery, and I hope this result provides him with some sense of justice and closure,” DC Sampson said.
Detective Inspector Tony Kennedy praised the police response and hoped the sentences would deter future crimes.
“The response to this incident from the whole force was exemplary – from our initial response, which led to the quick arrest of three armed males, to the dedication and determination of DC Sampson, who worked a 24-hour shift to secure charges against them,” DI Kennedy said.
“Tackling knife crime and serious violence is a priority for Northamptonshire Police, and I hope this case sends a strong message that we will never tolerate this type of behaviour and will work tirelessly to bring the offenders to justice.”
The sentences mark a conclusion to a harrowing case that shocked the Northampton community earlier this year.