Teenager who used machete as weapon is jailed

ROBBERY WAS MOTIVE FOR ATTACK IN EFFORD LANE

- CARL EVE

A TEENAGER who lured another young man to a isolated lane, with the aim of robbing him, has been jailed.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court, where he was sentenced for the assault with a machete on the afternoon of Sunday, May 12, this year.

Prosecutor Deni Matthews told the court the teen was arrested in the Barbican area and later charged with Section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery and possession of a bladed article. He offered guilty pleas at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.

It was explained how the teen had made contact with another youth, whom he believed was involved in criminal activities and thus would not call on the police, suggesting the sale of a coat. He arranged for them to meet at a place off Pike Road, Efford, but this was purely to rob the other youth and acquire his money.

The court was told the money would then be spent on drugs to get “off his face”. The teen used the machete to slash out at the victim, who feared the blade would strike his head, and put his hands up to protect himself.