[F]our teenage boys have been jailed after pleading guilty to the robbery and assault of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed in the heart as they tried to steal his bike.
Ramario Laird, 17, of Valley Road in Urmston has been sentenced today, Tuesday 6 March 2018, at Minshull Street Crown Court to a total of ten years and six months in prison after he pleaded guilty to a section 18 wounding and robbery.
Three other boys pleaded guilty to robbery, a 16-year-old boy was sentenced to four years and ten months in a youth offender’s institute, a second 16-year-old boy was sentenced to four years and a 15-year-old boy was sentenced to three years and four months.
On Monday 21 August 2017, two 16-year-old boys were sat in Pickering Lodge Park in Timperley playing a game of chess after they had finished their basketball practice in the park.
The boys were then approached by Laird and the other boys and an attempt was made to steal the pair’s bikes. As they tried to stop the group from stealing the bikes they were both assaulted, one of the boys was stabbed twice to the upper body, with one of the blows piercing his heart.
He required lifesaving surgery and is still recovering from his injuries.
Detective Sergeant Steve Warriner from GMP’s Trafford Division said: “The victim was so lucky to escape with his life.
“The two boys were completely innocent, and using the park for its true purpose.
“The four offenders came into the park looking for targets to rob. They found the victims playing chess and in an unprovoked and shocking attack, Laird nearly killed one of the boys in the process
“I hope today can provide the victims and their families some justice and I wish the boy well in his continued recovery.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the community and witnesses who provided valuable information to this investigation which has led to all four offenders being identified and prosecuted.”
