A teenager who tried to stab a girl 10 times because she did not want to date him has been spared jail because he is a "bright lad". The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attacked the girl with a six-inch kitchen knife at a shop in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, in March.
Sentencing and Conditions
Despite pleading guilty to wounding with intent, grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a blade in public, Judge Ian Lawrie said prison was the "last place" for a "bright lad" like him. Instead, the boy was sentenced to a 12-month referral order and a three-year restraining order.
Judge Lawrie told him: "You're a bright lad; I'm going to impose a curfew. You're not to contact, directly or indirectly, by any means, social media or otherwise, [the victim] and her mother, and also keep out of mischief."
Court Remarks
He added: "My own view is custody is the last place you should be. What I'm trying to do is find a sentence that's best constructed to help you and give you support."
Previously, the judge said: "We are dealing with a 14 year old. They tend to be a little bit temperamental." He also noted the boy had "behavioural dysfunctionality" that caused him "grave concern".
Concerns and Compliance
During the sentencing, Judge Lawrie told the boy that if he did not comply with the conditions, he would be brought back to court. "In a way, it is an element of give and take," he added.
