Neck-stabbing boy 'wanted jail'

Auguste Jury, 79, was left with a 4in knife embedded in her throat after the attack on her doorstep in Anfield Court, Kenton, Newcastle, in November.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told he must serve at least two years and seven months.

He had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Just five days before the attack on Mrs Jury, the teenager had received a six-month referral order from Newcastle Youth Court for stabbing his 14-year-old friend.

No motive

He denied regretting that attack and said he would do it again.

Later he said: "Social workers are no good for me. They have not done anything for me. Custody is the only thing for me."

Newcastle Crown Court told there was no motive for the attack on Mrs Jury apart from his desire to be jailed.

He had said his stepfather told him prison was a good place to be and he would have status there.

Experts said the teenager suffered from a sociopathic personality disorder linked to autism.

'A great mistake'

Outside court, Mrs Jury's daughter, Rosemarie Hyland, said she was pleased with the sentence and hoped the boy would now get the help he so desperately needed.

She said: "He is a young lad who has made a great mistake.

"We have spoken to the police and the position is that at some point the boy may get to meet my mother with his mother."

Mrs Hyland added that although her mother had recovered physically she was unable to go out alone and was nervous of strangers.

She said: "Mother is very upset but she did want to come here today. She has been brilliant about it."

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