Teenager slashed Birmingham victim with machete hidden in waistband & other thug jailed

Two teenagers have been jailed after violence flared in Birmingham leaving a 16-year-old boy badly injured after being struck by a machete.

Vacoy Farrell struck his victim twice with the machete he had hidden in his waistband leaving him with large wounds to his head and neck.

Meanwhile Rion Solomon repeatedly punched another youth as the violence broke out on Aldridge Road in Great Barr on September 27 last year. A major investigation was launched and both of the teenagers handed themselves in to police.

After being presented with CCTV and witness evidence, the attackers, both aged 19, admitted their involvement. Yesterday (Wednesday, April 17) at Bimingham Crown Court Farrell, of Tansley Grove, Kingstanding, was given four years youth detention, and Solomon, of Witton Lodge Road, Erdington, was given two years.

Farrell admitted possession of a blade, violent disorder, and possession of cannabis with intent to supply, while Solomon admitted violent disorder.

DC Zara Javaid, from the West Midlands Police Major Crime Unit, said: “This was a really nasty outbreak of violence involving a large number of teenagers, and it could easily have become a murder investigation.

“Too often we see the tragic consequences of using a knife. A split-second decision can destroy lives and rip apart families and communities. Young people should be able to go about their daily lives freely, without fear and without the possibility that they could be attacked and potentially killed.  

“The victim sustained serious injuries as a consequence of this attack, and whilst the injuries were not fatal, it has had a lasting impact on the daily life of the victim and his family.  

“We will never know the true motive behind this awful attack, but I hope today’s sentence gives the victim and his family some comfort that justice was served and the offenders are now behind bars.

“We’re committed to working with young people, schools and youth groups to educate and divert people away from a mentality which says it’s OK to carry a knife.”