A court has heard how a child was left 'covered in blood' and suffered a fractured skull when he was attacked by another youth wielding a hand axe in Bradford.
The young perpetrator of the attack, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, was told by a judge: 'You could have killed him, and you would have been before the court for murder and detained for the rest of your life.'
The case was presented at Bradford Crown Court where prosecutor Safaraz Ahad explained that the incident stemmed from a confrontation between two boys and a fight, which was filmed and circulated. One boy later contacted the other, determined his location, and then assaulted him.
The youth behind the attack confessed to an offence of wounding with intent.
Mr Recorder Andrew Dallas stated: 'You were waiting for him. You had your hood up. You went up behind him – I've seen this on CCTV – and without any significant opportunity to discuss or talk, you just hit him over the head with this axe.'
The victim was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery under general anaesthetic for a hairline fracture to the skull. He had also experienced bleeding between his scalp and his skull.
In a statement read to the court, he said he had been left feeling frightened to leave his house and was in 'constant fear', constantly looking over his shoulder. He said the attack, which left him 'covered in blood', had led to panic attacks and sleeplessness.
The hand axe was not recovered.
In mitigation, David McGonigal implored the court to deliver a sentence that took into account the defendant's welfare while ensuring no further offences were committed. He stated there had been no additional offending and that support was being received and accepted.
Describing the incident as 'an incredibly stupid and serious thing to do', Mr Recorder Dallas told the youth: 'You feel very keenly the shame that you have brought on your family. Now you must show them that you can do better, and you can.'
He sentenced the youth to an 18-month Youth Rehabilitation Order with a 91-day extended activity requirement of intensive supervision and surveillance. He is subject to a three-month electronically monitored curfew from 7pm to 7am, an 18-month supervision requirement, a 12-day activity requirement, and a 10-day knife crime programme. Furthermore, he faces a two-year restraining order prohibiting him from any intentional contact with the victim.
Recorder Dallas said: 'You have escaped custody by the very slimmest of margins.'
