A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to two years and four months in youth detention after a violent knifepoint robbery in Cherry Hinton Recreation Ground last month.
The teen, described in court as “totally out of control”, threatened and attempted to stab a 15-year-old boy before stealing his e-bike. The incident, which took place around 6.25pm on 2 April, prompted several 999 calls from concerned members of the public reporting a group of teenagers fighting with a large kitchen knife.
According to police, the victim had been riding his e-bike when he was confronted by the offender and his accomplice, also aged 16. The Cambridge boy used a knife to threaten the victim and tried to stab him during the robbery.
A struggle followed, during which the victim sustained minor injuries to his face, abdomen and hands. In a surprising turn, the victim managed to grab the knife and flee the scene. He discarded the weapon in a nearby bush and sought help from passers-by.
The second boy, from Little Shelford, made off on the stolen bike. Both teens were identified from footage filmed by a witness and arrested the next day.
At Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday (21 May), the primary offender pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a knife in a public place. He was sentenced to two years and four months in youth detention.
Due to their age, neither of the teenagers can be named. No sentence has yet been confirmed for the second teen involved in the robbery.
The case has sparked renewed concerns about youth violence and knife crime in the city’s parks, particularly as public spaces like Cherry Hinton Recreation Ground are popular with families and young people.
Police thanked members of the public for their swift response and assistance in identifying the suspects.
