A teenager who was part of a gang of young men that broke into a couple’s Leighton Buzzard flat and stabbed the man living there, has been ordered to be locked up for 12 months.
The five members of the gang were wearing masks and armed with knives.
On Friday, October 30, 2020, Luton Crown Court was told the youth who was just 16 at the time had himself been armed with a knife, but had not used it.
And Judge Mark Bishop hearing the case was told that under the influence and control of others he had himself been the victim of modern slavery.
Even so he appeared in court pleading guilty to an offence of aggravated burglary on the night of August 20, 2019 at the property in Oakfield Gardens, Leighton Buzzard.
The court was told the man’s partner had answered a knock at the door late that night to find five masked and armed men outside who held a knife to her throat before forcing their way in.
Once inside members of the gang began stabbing her boyfriend repeatedly.
Even so he showed considerable bravery when he grabbed a mop handle and despite being outnumbered managed to force his attackers out of the flat.
Only one remained and that was the 16-year-old boy who had fled into a bedroom.
He was still there when police arrived and arrested him.
Judge Bishop was told the incident that night had left the couple deeply traumatised, especially the woman.
Passing sentence the judge told the youth: “You were an offender, but being exploited by others.”
The court was told the boy had been of previous good character.
The judge sentenced him to a 12 month detention and training order.
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