A Nottingham teenager who was stabbed while armed with a machete has been told by a judge that members of the public will be screaming 'you got what you deserved'.
Violent Confrontation in Carlton Hill
Jevonta Gray, 19, was armed with a machete when he and his gang went looking for a rival in Carlton Hill, Nottingham, in July 2024. The court heard that when they found their target, the situation dramatically reversed.
The intended victim, also armed with a machete, ran towards Gray's group, causing them to flee. During the chaotic retreat, Gray tripped over an abandoned scooter and fell backwards. The pursuing man then delivered what the prosecutor described as an 'almighty blow' to Gray's leg.
'A Miracle He Walked Into Court'
The injury sustained by Gray was described in Nottingham Crown Court as 'horrific', with the prosecution noting it was 'a miracle he has walked into court today'.
Despite this being Gray's fourth conviction for carrying a blade, Judge Michael Auty KC took what he called an 'exceptional' course of action. Instead of imposing an immediate prison sentence, he handed down a three-year community order.
The judge explained his reasoning, stating: "The people of Nottingham are absolutely sick to death of young men arming themselves with fearsome and ferocious weapons like machetes." He added that "if I sent you to prison... when you are released you could end up straight back where you were."
An Exceptional Sentence
Judge Auty acknowledged that the public might think he was 'out of my mind' for not sending Gray to prison. However, he emphasised that Gray's own direct experience of the damage these weapons can cause was a significant factor.
Gray, of William Booth Road in Colwick, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a bladed article. The court was told that the man who attacked him is facing more serious charges.
In addition to the community order, Gray received:
- A six-month curfew
- A 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement
- A 26-day accredited programme requirement
The defence noted that Gray has remained out of trouble since the attack and is still coming to terms emotionally with the life-changing injuries he sustained.
