Middlesbrough Machete Gang Jailed for 'Horrific and Brutal' Attack on Teen
A gang of four teenagers has been sentenced for a violent machete assault on a 17-year-old boy in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, described by the judge as a "truly horrific and brutal attack". The victim suffered a fractured skull and damaged bones after being repeatedly struck with a machete while lying helpless on a pedestrian crossing.
The Attack and Pursuit
The incident occurred in the early hours of April 29 last year, when the victim was chased through the streets of Hemlington by the group. CCTV footage showed the attackers armed with large knives, including a "zombie knife", as they pursued the teenager across a car park and onto Hemlington Hall Lane.
Nearby residents reported hearing the victim's screams and shouted at the attackers to stop. The injured teen managed to drag himself over a fence into the Phoenix Park estate, where people came to his aid before emergency services arrived.
Sentencing and Convictions
At Teesside Crown Court, the four main perpetrators received substantial sentences:
- Tyler Bradley, 19: 17-year extended sentence (14 years custody, 3 years extended licence) for attempted murder
- Wayne Boyd, 19: 16-year extended sentence (13 years custody, 3 years extended licence) for attempted murder
- Leon Keenan, 18: 50-month sentence for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Kaya Azhar, 18: 48-month sentence for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
A fifth defendant, Ebony Watt, 18, received a two-year community order for perverting the course of justice. The judge noted that a custodial sentence would cause "immeasurable harm" to her and her young daughter.
Background and Mitigation
The court heard that the attack followed a disagreement at Watt's home earlier in the evening. Watt had messaged Boyd urging him to "hurry up" as the victim was leaving, then later alerted the group when he returned.
During mitigation, defense lawyers presented various arguments:
- Bradley's lawyer claimed the attack was "out of character", though the judge noted his 17 previous convictions for 47 offences
- Boyd's representative cited his difficult childhood and ADHD diagnosis
- Azhar's barrister acknowledged his "stupid and disastrous decisions" but noted he showed police where he hid his weapon
- Keenan's lawyer said he lacked parental guidance about the dangers of carrying knives
Investigation Challenges
The victim refused to cooperate with police following the attack, making the investigation more challenging. However, Home Office pathologist Dr Jennifer Boulton confirmed the severity of injuries, noting the machete blows were powerful enough to damage bones.
Forensic evidence played a crucial role in the case, particularly in determining Azhar's limited involvement despite carrying a weapon to the scene.
Judge Francis Laird emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating the victim was "fortunate to have escaped with his life" after such a sustained and violent assault.
