Two teenagers have been jailed for 18 years over a West Bromwich machete attack while three other gang members receive youth referral orders
A violent gang of five teenagers has been sentenced after two males were stabbed in a machete attack in West Bromwich.
West Midlands Police announced that a gang of five teenagers had been sentenced after two other males, aged 17 and 21, were attacked with machetes.
It comes following an incident on November 17, 2024, where one teenager was threatened with a zombie knife while he was sitting in a vehicle on Huntington Road, West Bromwich.
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In the incident, the victim was forced to get out of his car and hand over his wallet before the offenders drove off with his vehicle.
The victim then went to meet his friends, who were sitting in another car on Lindsay Road; however, the offenders had followed him and rammed and hit the car with machetes.
Two boys, aged 17 and 21, sustained stab wounds and were taken to the hospital.
Both boys suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the attack.
The offenders proceeded to flee in the stolen vehicle. However, ANPR cameras spotted them on Bullows Road, and the occupants were arrested following a foot chase with officers.
Odin Borthwick-Melia, aged 19, of Clifton Avenue, Walsall, was charged with wounding and, following a hearing in October, was sentenced to 12 years in custody.
A 17-year-old boy was also sentenced to six years in October after being charged with wounding, possession of a bladed article, affray and aggravated vehicle taking.
Last week, three 17-year-olds, who were charged with affray and aggravated vehicle taking, were given 12 months' youth referral orders.
'Carrying a knife is never the right thing to do'
Detective constable Chelsea Norris, who led the investigation, said: "This incident had a profound effect upon the victims and their families. The victims suffered life-changing injuries as a result of this brutal attack.
"I would like to thank them for coming forward to us and for their unwavering support throughout the investigation.
"Carrying a knife is never the right thing to do.
“Every time you do, you run the risk of arrest or being involved in a serious crime which can have serious consequences, as shown in this case. It can ruin your life, and the lives of countless others who may be affected by your action."
