Teenage murderer attacked inmate with 'shank' in front of shocked family members during church service at young offender institution in Leeds

The attack took place in front of inmates and their parents as they gathered in the chapel at Wetherby YOI.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 16-year-old convicted murder took the 'shank' from his jogging bottoms and attacked his rival from behind.

Ayesha Smart, prosecuting, said the incident happened on October 16 last year at an event to mark Prisons Week.

The victim was seated on the front row as the defendant was led into the chapel with other inmates from his wing.

The youngster ignored prison officers as he was directed to another seating area within the chapel.

He approached the defendant and took out the weapon which he used to attack him from behind.

The victim jumped up and tried to get away but the defendant pursued him and continued to strike him with the weapon.

Inmates and prison officers intervened to break up the violence.

Ms Smart the victim was not seriously injured.

He told officers: "I thought I would do it to him before they did it to me."

The prosecutor said the teenager was interviewed in March this year and said he was sorry.

He said the weapon had been given to him by other inmates and he accepted he should not have taken it into the chapel with him

The defendant went on to inflict serious injuries upon another inmate in the exercise yard of the institution on May 14 this year.

He used a blade fashioned from a toothbrush to stab the victim multiple times to his head and upper body area.

Another inmate also joined in the attack and repeatedly punched and stamped on the inmate.

The victim was left covered in blood and needed treatment for puncture wounds to his head and face.

The defendant was interviewed about the attack but made no comment to all questions.

The court heard the defendant was convicted of murder when he was aged 15.

He is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 14 years.

James Varley, mitigating, said it was accepted that his client is a dangerous offender.

Mr Varley said the latest offending would mean he will be aged over 30 before he is eligible to apply for parole.

The teenager was given a 54-month sentence, to be added to the minimum 14-year term he is currently serving.

Commenting on the first attack, Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: "It was witnessed by many others who had attended the chapel service in the young offender institution.

"It is somewhat surprising that the victim received only the minor injuries that he did."

Referring to the second victim, the judge said: "It is a miracle that he did not receive more serious injuries."

Sentencing, Judge Marson said: "I have at the forefront of my mind that you are still a very young man and I hope that while you are in custody you do change because, I tell you now, if you continue to behave in this way there may well be a situation where you are never released from custody because they were pre-planned and premeditated attacks."

After the case, acting Detective Sergeant Ailis Coates, of Leeds District Prison Crime Team, said: “Violence in the prison system presents real risks to inmates and to staff, and it’s important that offences such as these are treated as seriously as those committed on the outside.

“We work closely with prison staff to ensure that incidents are fully investigated and, where necessary, victimless prosecutions are brought to ensure those responsible receive additional penalties on top of the sentences they are already serving.

“We hope the significant sentence this offender has received for these violent attacks will help remind others that there are consequences if they commit further offences in prison.”