A 12-year-old boy admitted to swinging a knife at a staff member at Reddish Vale School, resulting in minor injury.
The boy can’t be named for legal reasons. He used a seven-inch blade and swung the knife three times. The staff member received only a scratch on their back.
After the incident, he ran into the school yard. Other staff told him to leave and to drop the knife. He pleaded guilty to attempted wounding at Manchester Youth Court, and his sentencing will be next month.
The incident started outside the school gates after the boy arrived, having been told to leave. The staff member noticed something on the boy’s waistband, and the boy then approached with the knife.
The prosecutor said they asked him to drop it, but he ran at the staff member and swung the knife three times. He was aggressive and shouting loudly during the attack.
The staff member dodged most of the attacks. However, the third swing made contact, resulting in a scratch on the staff member’s upper back.
The boy wanted to enter the school grounds, but people stopped him. He then fled the area with the knife.
The defense lawyer stated the case was serious, but the boy had no previous criminal record. He also has communication problems that need addressed.
A worker communicated that the boy attended sessions freely and will have a speech assessment. The boy’s mom sought assistance as she struggled to get him help.
The judge spoke to the boy, who kept his head down. He spoke quietly when asked questions and seemed to know his actions were wrong.
The judge granted him bail under a strict program. The boy can’t go near the school and must attend 25 hours of sessions.
The judge said they were all fortunate that no one was seriously hurt. She added that knives carry significant risk and someone could die because of them.
The boy admitted to several charges, including weapon possession, threatening someone, and affray. His sentencing is scheduled for March 25th.