A gang of teenagers has been handed significant prison sentences following a brutal double stabbing and machete attack on a car in West Bromwich that left two young men with life-changing injuries.
Horrific sequence of violent events
The violence erupted on November 17 last year when a teenager was threatened with a zombie knife while sitting in his vehicle on Huntington Road, West Bromwich. The offenders forced him from his car, stole his wallet, and drove off in his vehicle.
The victim subsequently went to meet friends who were waiting in a second car on Lindsay Road. Shockingly, the offenders followed him to this location, where they rammed the friends' vehicle and struck it repeatedly with machetes.
Life-changing injuries and police investigation
During this sustained attack, two boys, aged 17 and 21, suffered stab wounds to their legs and required hospital treatment for what authorities have described as life-changing injuries.
The violent group fled the scene in the previously stolen vehicle, but their freedom was short-lived. ANPR cameras quickly led police officers to the car on Bullows Road, where the occupants were arrested following a foot chase.
Court sentences handed down
Odin Borthwick-Melia, aged 19, of Clifton Avenue, Walsall, was charged with wounding and following an October hearing was jailed for 12 years.
Another 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, received a six-year sentence in October after being convicted of wounding, possession of a bladed article, affray and aggravated vehicle taking.
Last week, three additional 17-year-old boys charged with affray and aggravated vehicle taking were given 12-month youth referral orders.
Detective Constable Chelsea Norris, who led the investigation, stated: "This incident had a profound effect upon the victims and their families. The victims suffered life-changing injuries as a result of this brutal attack."
She added a stark warning about the consequences of carrying weapons: "Carrying a knife is never the right thing to do. Every time you do, you run the risk of arrest or being involved in a serious crime which can have serious consequences, as shown in this case. It can ruin your life, and the lives of countless others who may be affected by your actions."
