Youth threatened with machete

A 17-year-old youth was threatened with a machete in an attempt to steal his designer jacket, a court was told.

On Thursday, Dale Kinski, 18, and a 16-year-old, were convicted of the attempted robbery which took place in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Luton Crown Court heard that the victim was followed from the Leisure Park to Fairview Road in the early evening of 22 February this year and then set upon.

He was shown the handle of a large machete and was roughed up a bit as they tried to take his coat from him before he managed to escape.

With great hesitation I take an exceptional course in not imposing a custodial sentence, but you have escaped custody by the skin of your teeth Recorder Phillip Rueff

The pair, both from New Southgate, London, were ordered to serve 100 hours' community punishment and pay £100 costs.

Kinski was also given a 12-month community rehabilitation order.

The court heard the ringleader of the attack had never been caught.

Recorder Phillip Rueff said he had decided against a custodial sentence because that would "set back to nought" the progress to better themselves since the offence.

'Frightening and vicious weapon'

"The serious aspect was showing him the machete which was a very frightening and vicious weapon," he said.

"You both must have been well aware that the third man had that weapon with him.

"The victim is now reluctant to go out on his own, and such offences are prevalent and arouse great public concern and produce profound psychological effects on victims.

"With great hesitation I take an exceptional course in not imposing a custodial sentence, but you have escaped custody by the skin of your teeth."

Counsel for both youths said they had changed their lifestyle and no longer mixed with the wrong crowd.

Neither had any previous convictions.

Kinski had returned to education, having had problems at school due to an attention deficit disorder.