THREE teenagers have been handed custodial sentences following a stabbing in Taunton in February last year.

The incident took place in broad daylight on Saturday, February 18, in the park between Baldwin Road and Monmouth Road Halcon.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene, where they discovered a male victim whose injuries were not life threatening.

Hamza Mahmoud, 19, and Faisal Uriakhail and Zaeden Perkins, who were both 17 at the time of the offence but have since turned 18, were charged and first appeared in court the following Monday, 20 February. All three are from Taunton.

The trio appeared before Bristol Crown Court after having previously admitted wounding with intent.

Handing down a sentence, Judge Edward Burgess KC described the three on one attack as “frenzied and sustained.”

DC Natalie Norman described the attacks as “shocking.” She said: “The attack happened in a residential area and must have been shocking for families living nearby. I hope the custodial sentences for these young adults will reassure the community how seriously the criminal justice system takes knife crime.”

In a statement a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said the force is “working closely with our partners across education, health and social care, and local authorities through our local Violence Reduction Partnerships to address the issue of young people carrying knives.  

The statement added: “We would encourage the public to please make a report if you know of anything that suggests serious violence may take place, whether it’s someone in possession of a knife, or someone you are worried may be at risk. 

“If you are concerned or worried that someone you know may be involved or at risk of serious violence, involving knife crime, please report. You can do so by: Calling 101, Reporting online or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at: crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The sentencing comes weeks ahead of a 30-day “anti-conflict awareness” campaign in the area, which is set to be launched by the arrival of the ‘knife angel’ in Taunton, a sculpture built from 100,000 knives disposed of in amnesty bins which will be unveiled outside the Market House in Taunton in April.