A 17-year-old boy was sentenced for stabbing a police officer at Notting Hill Carnival at Wimbledon Youth Court today.
The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced having previously pleading guilty to wounding and possession of a knife with intent to cause threats and violence.
He was given a six-month detention and training order for each offence, to run concurrently.
The court heard how on August 31 the youth was with friends at the carnival.
He was on Elgin Crescent when he became involved in a heated argument with a man – a second man intervened and a fight began.
Patrolling officers became aware of the brawl and tried to break it up.
However the youth had drawn a knife and lashed out, stabbing one of the police officers on his upper left arm.
The youth tried to throw the knife and get away but other officers arrested him for grievous bodily harm.
The male police officer was treated in hospital for a 3cm deep and 3cm-wide stab wound that needed stitches.
When questioned by detectives the youth denied any involvement in the offence – however members of the public came forward to provide witness statements.
The youth was charged and subsequently entered a guilty plea at court.
Detective Superintendent Raffaele D’Orsi, of Kensington and Chelsea police, said: “This case demonstrates some of the dangers officers face when carrying out their duty.
“A simple argument in the street escalated and led to a police officer being stabbed.
“I am thankful that his injury was not life-threatening.
“Notting Hill Carnival is supposed to be a family-orientated fun event – attending armed with any weapon let alone a knife is unacceptable.
“Any person caught carrying such items will be brought to justice, this year 67 people were arrested for possession of weapons.
“The young man in this case has been swiftly brought before the court to answer for his actions.
“I hope that he, or any other young person considering carrying a weapon, reflects on the dire consequences of knife crime.”
Picture courtesy of John Linwood, with thanks
