Sentence for teenager who stabbed 'former friend' in kidney at Blisworth pub means he will be released straight away

A teenager who stabbed another man in the back twice at a Blisworth pub was free to go immediately after his sentencing in court yesterday.

Shay Gregory, of Kesketh Crescent, Towcester, used a kitchen knife reportedly taken from the Royal Okay pub to stab his 20-year-old victim in the back.

The victim even had to be rushed to University Hospital Coventry because the then-18-year-old's attack was deep enough to damage his kidney.

But at Northampton Crown Court yesterday (December 3), Gregory was handed a 16-month jail sentence for the stabbing - which, because of the time he had served in custody since the attack last year, meant he was free to go straight after.

His Honour Judge Rupert Mayo told the 19-year-old in sentencing: "My view is because this incident cut through not only the outer layer of skin but the cavity of the body your victim, it is very serious.

"In your favour [...] you are remorseful, as you say you and your victim used to be friends. And you are now 19, and were 18 when it happened.

"You would have received three years after trial, which I reduce to 20 months to take into your positive features, and with credit amounts to 16 months' detention.

"If your defense counsel is right, you won't have to spend another minute in custody."

The court heard the 19-year-old last month pleaded guilty to wounding without intent.

He will also have to pay £500 in compensation to his victim.