Two teenagers have been jailed following an incident in which a 20-year-old man was attacked with a machete.
Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on 22 December 2021, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were sentenced to 33 months custody and 32 months respectively.
The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.
In addition, both defendants pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
They were both ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and subject to a restraining order.
Due to their age at time of sentencing, the pair cannot be named for legal reasons.
The court heard how on 16 September 2021, the 16-year-old was seen wielding a machete and running after his 20-year-old victim on Queen’s Drive. The incident, which took place during the middle of the day, was recorded by a member of the public on a mobile phone.
As the chase led to Buckhurst Crescent, the 16-year-old was joined in the assault by a 17-year-old. The victim was struck by the younger teenager, causing injuries to his hand and leg which required hospital treatment.
The victim of the assault refused to make a complaint or engage with the investigation.
Detective Constable Nia Tregunna said: “I welcome this lengthy custodial sentence and hope that it sends a strong message that this dangerous and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated. It was simply a matter of luck that this attack did not cost the life of the young man who was targeted in this way.”
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