Knifeman locked up for attacking dealer

Sep 12 2008 By Ben Coulbeck

A TEENAGER was given a three-year detention order after he stabbed a drug dealer in the neck while trying to rob him.

James Wilson, 17, of Milton Green, near Tattenhall, had already admitted attempted robbery and unlawful wounding but was spared a more serious custodial sentence on Monday at Chester Crown Court.

Wilson will be eligible for release on appeal under licence after he has served 18 months of his sentence.

On April 19, Wilson arranged to meet Johnathan Scott on Chester Road in Tattenhall to buy £20 worth of ‘skunk’ marijuana.

After a brief conversation, Wilson grabbed Mr Scott by the chains around his neck, brandished a large wooden-handled kitchen knife and put it to the victim’s throat while demanding the drugs.

In the ensuing scuffle, Scott’s fingers and neck were badly cut and he was taken to the Countess of Chester hospital.

Recorder Nicholas Clarke QC told Wilson: "You knew it was serious because you took a knife with you. This was obviously pre-planned.

"You held the knife to the victim’s neck and threatened to stab him. His neck was cut, as were his fingers as he tried to get the knife away.

"It was fortunate for the victim and for you that the knife did not cut through his main artery."

Mr Clarke added that it was important to send out the right message from the court on knife crime and impose a lengthy custodial sentence.

He said: "I am persuaded that, despite your past convictions and the seriousness of this offence, a detention order will be a sufficient deterrent."

Wilson, appearing in a black tracksuit and wearing trainers, was described in court by his defence lawyer, Simon Parry, as a "sensible and intelligent young man" and that he was ready to learn from his experience behind bars.

Mr Parry added: "It is remarkable that Wilson, at the age of 17, given the characteristics that most people find in him, has got himself involved in this sort of serious offence.

"What shines through is a whole host of positive factors that he and his family can be proud of. He can put right, and put behind him, this whole experience."