Hartlepool man spared jail over town centre knife slashing in broad daylight

Brandon Crompton, 19, became involved in an argument with a group of people who he had history with in the Church Street area in the middle of the afternoon when members of the public were going about their businesses.

Teesside Crown Court heard he was put under pressure and backed away from them until he saw his girlfriend being attacked.

He pulled out a knife and ran towards the group. Crompton was hit with a walking stick before slashing the male victim across the arm with the blade.

He was arrested nearby but the knife was never recovered said prosecutor Paul Abrahams.

Crompton pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and possession of a bladed article in the incident on March 22 this year.

The court heard he had not been in trouble with the police before and a report said there were encouraging signs he was addressing his own personal difficulties.

Recorder Christopher Smith said there had been ‘considerable provocation’ but added: “You need to understand that whatever the circumstances carrying a knife, and more so pulling it out and swinging it around recklessly, is dangerous behaviour.

"It creates a very real risk or serious or fatal injury.”

Crompton, of Suggitt Street, Hartlepool, was given nine months prison suspended for two years and a three-month night curfew.

He must also do 24 rehabilitation activity days with probation.

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