Teenager who stabbed man in neck with hunting knife in Leeds is handed nine year sentence

Knifeman Osvaldo Rodriquez's mum stepped in to help the 20 year old victim and pulled her son away from him, Leeds Crown Court was told.

Rodriquez, aged 18, of Longroyd Grove, Beeston, carried out the stabbing on June 6 2020 while he was under police investigation for a November 2019 street robbery in Leeds city centre.

Sentencing Rodriquez to nine years and two months detention in a young offender institution, Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl QC told him: "You attacked the complainant with a big hunting knife. You went for his head, intending to cause him really serious harm.

"The knife connected with the back of his neck. It is by good fortune that you didn't cause a fatal inury, certainly one which might have been far worse."

The victim suffered a 2cm long stab wound - which penetrated his spinal cavity.

He had to have four stitches in the wound and spent four days in hospital.

Judge Kearl said: "Had your mother not pulled you off him as you were continuing to stab the complainant, I have no doubt the injuries to him would have been far more serious."

Rodriquez pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, possession of a blade and an offence of robbery in relation to a separate incident.

The court heard the Rodriques had borrowed the man's phone but failed to return it and the man went Rodriquez's home on Longroyd Grove, Beeston, to get it back.

Rodriquez was not at home but the victim spoke to the teenager's mum and told her about the missing phone.

His mum was unhappy about her son taking the phone and took a taxi with the victim to find Rodriquez.

They found the defendant with a group of others in an alleyway off Dewsbury Road.

The teenager became angry with the victim for involving his mum and attacked him.

The robbery offence took place on November 22, 2019, near to the St John's Centre in Leeds city centre.

Rodriquez was among a group who attacked a man and stole his mobile phone, cash and headphones.

The robbery victim suffered a bruised ribs, cuts to his mouth and a broken nose.

Police interviewed Rodriquez and released him under investigation.