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Mother demands justice after 14-year-old boy avoids jail for stabbing daughter
Overview
The mother of a 14-year-old girl who was repeatedly stabbed in a shop in Cirencester by a boy who stalked her has condemned the decision not to jail him. The attacker received a three-year restraining order and a one-year referral order after admitting wounding with intent, grievous bodily harm, and possessing a bladed article. The Ministry of Justice stated it is reviewing how the law protects victims in youth courts, noting that sentences from youth courts cannot be referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Key points
- A 14-year-old boy stalked and repeatedly stabbed a 14-year-old girl with a 6in knife in a Cirencester shop after she refused to date him.
- The attacker was sentenced to a three-year restraining order and a one-year referral order after admitting multiple charges.
- The victim's mother criticised the sentence as disgraceful, arguing that the perpetrator should have faced adult-level punishment.
- The Ministry of Justice stated it is reviewing laws relating to youth courts, but confirmed that youth court sentences cannot be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
- Carole Gould, whose daughter was previously murdered by an ex-boyfriend, also condemned the sentence as unjust.