Two teenagers have admitted their roles in a machete attack that left a 17-year-old boy with a slash wound to his arm in Liverpool city centre. The incident occurred on the steps of Chavasse Park on April 6, 2026, at around 7.15pm.
Court Proceedings
Appearing before Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, Aaron Rodwell, 18, of Knowsley Road in Bootle, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. A 17-year-old male from South Liverpool, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, affray, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and possession of cannabis.
Both defendants appeared via video link from custody—Rodwell from HMP Liverpool and the youth from a young offenders' institute. Judge David Swinnerton adjourned sentencing until August 10, 2026, and ordered pre-sentence, psychological, and psychiatric reports.
Addressing the pair, Judge Swinnerton said: "You will both be sentenced on the 10th of August. Before the court proceeds to sentence, the court will be assisted by knowing the full background about you, particularly given your young ages. Because I am adjourning, that is not to give you any promises or guarantees what your sentence is going to be. You need to understand that."
The Attack
The victim, also 17, suffered a minor slash wound to his arm and swelling to his head. Distressing video footage widely shared online showed a group of teenagers in dark hooded jackets kicking and punching the victim before one assailant pulled out a machete and swung it toward his arm. Screams of "oh my god" and "what the f*** lad" were heard as the attackers fled on foot.
Police Response
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Ball of Merseyside Police described the attack as targeted. "This is believed to be a targeted attack, and the victim was left very distressed from the attack. He was treated in hospital and has since been discharged," he said. "The incident would also have been upsetting and alarming for people who saw it. We are aware of a video circulating on social media, and we ask people not to share the video while the investigation is ongoing."
Ball emphasised the force's commitment to tackling knife crime: "Tackling knife crime remains a priority for Merseyside Police and we will take robust action against anyone found to be in possession of a knife. The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated, and can have devastating consequences, not only for the victim and their family but also for the offenders involved."
He urged the public to educate themselves and speak to children about the dangers of knife crime, adding: "We continue to seek out those involved in knife crime, enticing young and vulnerable people to carry weapons or involved in gangs."
