16-year-old jailed for four years after stabbing teenager in back in Skelmersdale

A 16-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife.

Police were called after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the back as he walked with his girlfriend on a footpath near The Concourse in Skelmersdale on January 4.

He was treated at hospital and subsequently discharged.

The youth, from Skelmersdale, was sentenced to four years in youth detention after appearing at Preston Crown Court on Monday (February 3).

Two other youths, aged 13 and 14 from Skelmersdale, were arrested in connection with the incident and remain under investigation.

Det Sgt Paul Mulrooney, of South CID, said: “Carrying and using a knife can have tragic consequences and it is only through good fortune that the victim in this case was not more seriously injured, or even killed.

"We will continue to proactively target those who carry knives as part of our work to keep our communities safe.”

Knife bins have been installed across Lancashire, including in Skelmersdale, to give people a safe place to dispose of unwanted knives and sharp items.

A total of 16 new safe and secure containers will be located in busy, well-lit areas that are easy to get to as part of Lancashire Constabulary’s ongoing work to keep knives off the streets.

They aim to provide people with a "legal and safe way to surrender knives and bladed items."

Using the bins helps to keep unwanted bladed weapons out of circulation.

Any knives will be disposed of by the police unless there is an obvious sign one has been used in a crime.