A group of teenagers have pleaded guilty at court in connection with an incident of violent disorder in Bournemouth.
The boys, all aged between 14 and 17-years-old, made their admissions at Poole Youth Court on Tuesday 28 January. The charges come after an incident on Albert Road in the town centre at around 12.45am on 15 June 2019. A group of four men in their 20s were visiting Bournemouth when they were approached by six teenagers. The teens followed the men up Old Christchurch Road before attacking them.
The victims were punched and kicked by the boys and two of the men proceeded to be assaulted after falling to the ground. The men were able to flee to an address on Richmond Hill where they then called the emergency services. One of the victims suffered four stab wounds to his leg and back, which required stitches. In addition to the incisions, he was also left with bruising and swelling to his face from the attack. Another man also sustained a small stab wound to one of his legs.
A full investigation was launched by detectives from Bournemouth CID. The boys were arrested and subsequently charged after being identified from CCTV footage.
A 16-year-old boy admitted an offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The teenager will be sentenced at Poole Youth Court on Tuesday 3 March 2020. Two boys aged 14 and 15 admitted an offence of violent disorder and will also be sentenced the same day.
Three further boys, aged 14, 15 and 17, also admitted a charge of violent disorder. The youths will be returning to court to be sentenced on Tuesday 17 March 2020.
Detective Constable Steph Ashworth, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was an unprovoked violent incident in the town centre targeting an innocent group of men who were simply enjoying a night out. The victims have all been impacted by this attack and I hope these admissions go some way to helping them start to move on.
“I am pleased that through our investigations we were able to identify those involved and bring them before the court.
“I hope this case demonstrates that all those involved in group violence of this nature will face prosecution, whether they are the principal offenders or simply part of a joint attack.”
If you want to keep up to date with other criminal incidents and appeals in the area you can visit the Dorset Police website here.