A Scarborough teenager has been sentenced to a total of three years in jail following a terrifying attempted robbery.
Ali Thomas King, 18, of Scalby Gate, Falsgrave Road was sentenced at York Crown Court today (29 July).
The incident took place on Sunday 18 May, when the 19-year-old victim and a friend had arranged to meet with King and two others in Scarborough town centre.
Once they arrived at the location, they were met by King who immediately brandished a large, 12-inch knife and ran at the victim, threatening him and demanding money.
The victim immediately tried to escape and run back home. As King realised the robbery had failed, he and two other teenagers chased the victim and began to attack him.
As the victim tried to defend himself, he was stabbed in the hand.
As the victim’s friend broke loose and managed to run away, the group of teenagers turned their full attention to the victim and blocked the doorway to his home.
Further assaults followed outside the victim’s front door, including King punching the victim several times.
The victim shouted for help as he tried to defend himself against the attack, and he eventually managed to run away from his attackers with blood pouring from his hand.
He sustained a large laceration which severed the nerve in his hand, requiring reconstructive surgery.
King, along with a 19-year-old who will be sentenced at a later date, were located a short time after the incident and arrested at an address together.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested a few hours later at another address.
All three were charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and attempted robbery.
On Monday 30 June, King pleaded guilty to both charges. The other two teenagers pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, but not guilty to wounding with intent, which was accepted in court.
The trio received the following custodial sentences:
- Ali Thomas King – Three years imprisonment
- The 19-year-old man – Due to be sentenced at a later date
- The 17-year-old boy – A youth referral order, 60 hours unpaid work, and electronic monitoring for three months
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sam Rivers of Scarborough CID, said:
“This was a horrific attack in broad daylight, on a Sunday afternoon, right in the heart of Scarborough town centre.
“Every one of us has seen the devastation knife crime can cause. A split-second decision can ruin lives and, in this case, has left the victim with injuries and scaring both physical and mental that will likely last a lifetime.
“I would like to praise the victim who has stood up and fought for justice against the defendants. It has taken a lot of courage.
“I hope the sentences today can give the victim some closure and reassure the public that the police will not tolerate this type of behaviour on our streets and will do everything within our power to bring serious offenders to justice.”