Two violent offenders are starting prison sentences after they stabbed a teenager they didn’t know in Gillingham town centre. The incident on 9 March 2023, saw Dimeiro Campbell and a 16-year-old boy in the High Street with some associates when they saw the teenager.
They approached him and after a short conversation, the pair stabbed him multiple times. The victim suffered multiple injuries including an arterial bleed from a wound in one of his arms.
Police officers and two members of the public who had been passing, gave first aid including the use of tourniquets. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to life-threatening injuries. He has since been discharged.
The assailants fled the scene before the arrival of the police but officers promptly recovered CCTV footage from the area and local constables were able identify the 16-year-old offender. Campbell was also confirmed as the second person involved and both were arrested on 10 March; the younger teenager at his home address in Watford, Hertfordshire and Campbell at Victoria Railway Station in London. Investigators also recovered one of the knives that had been hidden in an alleyway near Campbell’s home in Gillingham.
On the following day, both were charged with wounding with intent and possession of a knife in a public place. They pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and, on Friday 1 March 2024, were both sentenced to four years and three months’ imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Raj Dusanjh, of the Medway Community Safety Unit, said:
‘This was an appalling assault in a busy town centre that could have resulted in the death of the young victim. It is only thanks to the timely efforts of the emergency services and, in particular, two members of the public that his life was saved.
‘Both offenders came to the High Street armed with knives and intent on violence. Their assault on the victim was unprovoked and investigators were determined to track them down. This was completed within 24 hours and the comprehensive examination of CCTV and recovery of other evidence, ensured their conviction and imprisonment.’