A 16-year-old boy has been found guilty of attempted murder after another 16-year-old boy was discovered partially hidden under a bush with multiple injuries in the grounds of William Stukeley Church of England Primary School in Holbeach on Sunday, 28 July 2024.
This follows a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court yesterday, 20 January.
Jurors heard how the boys had been socialising together that evening, drinking heavily, with the victim having passed out. The defendant had left the boy to walk another friend home. On his return to take the victim home, he made a call to another friend, which took a sinister turn when he repeatedly said that he was planning to kill the unconscious teen.
The victim was found after the friend on the other end of the call became incredibly concerned by the defendant’s demeanour and called the police with a description of events and the approximate location of the unconscious victim.
Police attended the scene and located the victim. He had lacerations to his neck and abdomen, inflicted by the defendant using a broken bottle. He also suffered a haemorrhage in the left eye and a fractured eye socket. First aid was given, and paramedics arrived soon after.
Officers swiftly arrested the suspect at his home address in connection with what was believed to have been an attempted murder. The defendant stated that he had no idea what had happened, saying that he was extremely confused.
A meticulous investigation began to establish the facts of the case, which has resulted in yesterday’s verdict being returned by the jury.
Judge Simon Hirst confirmed that, “The sentence is one of custody. The only issue is length.” The boy is due to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 3 March for sentencing.