A 14-year-old boy was given a 12-month referral order following a stabbing incident in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, after he attacked a girl who had declined his request to date her. The attack occurred on March 15, when the boy followed the 14-year-old girl into a local shop and stabbed her multiple times. The victim sustained injuries including cuts to her neck, hands, and face, as well as bruising to her back.

During the incident, a shopkeeper who attempted to intervene was also stabbed. Authorities described the assault as a “frenzied attack” carried out in broad daylight, with Det Supt Ian Fletcher noting that the incident had the potential to be fatal.

The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, pleaded guilty to charges including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife. At Bristol Crown Court, convened as a youth court, he was also issued a three-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

The case highlights concerns about knife crime involving youths and the judicial approach towards violent offenses committed by minors. The referral order is intended as a rehabilitative measure, focusing on addressing the behavior of young offenders outside of custodial sentences.