Three teenagers have been jailed after a boy was stabbed in the heart and left for dead following a row on Facebook.
Scott Fergie, 18, Matthew McCeod, 18, and 16-year-old Anthony Swainbank, were sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison yesterday for the attack on the 16-year-old in the town of Halewood in March.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said Swainbank had admitted wounding with intent and was given a sentence of seven years, while his cousin Fergie, and Fergie’s friend, McCeod were each found guilty of the same offence by joint enterprise and given nine years respectively.
All three had been cleared of the boy’s attempted murder and had no previous convictions.
The court had heard how the trio armed themselves before heading to Plantation Woods to confront a rival group, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The newspaper reported that Swainbank had told Fergie that the victim was bullying him and his cousin argued with one of his friends on Facebook the night before, during which threats had been exchanged.
The court heard how the victim’s chest had to be opened up during surgery and metal plates fitted to hold it together.
Detective Sergeant Paul Speight, of Merseyside Police, said: “This was a particularly nasty attack, which left a 16-year-old youth fighting for his life.
“Thankfully he has made a full recovery but this incident continues to have a profound effect on him.
“The sentences the three received… reflect the severity of the offences and how seriously the courts take this type of crime.”
He added: “The court heard how these offenders went equipped with knives and knuckle dusters to commit this offence.
“We are continuing to work with partners, to change the culture of people who carry knives and trying to reach young people at an early stage to help challenge the perception that knives are glamorous.
“All three offenders were previously of good character, and by picking up a knife they have not only seriously injured one young man but also destroyed their own lives. There are no winners in this case.”
The trio will serve their sentences in young offenders' institutions.
