Pair of teens jailed after stabbing in Derbyshire town

Two teenagers have been jailed for their part in an attack on a 19-year-old in Swadlincote.

Officers were called to Eureka Park in the town shortly before 8pm on Tuesday 15 June 2021 to reports that a man had been seriously injured.

He had been stabbed in the chest and arm and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

Shortly after, officers arrested 18-year-old Sean Doncaster and Tate O’Neill, 19, in connection with the stabbing.

At a hearing in January, Doncaster, formerly of Skinners Way, Swadlincote, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possessing a knife while Tate, of Branston Road, Burton on Trent, pleaded guilty to wounding.

On Friday (12 August), at Derby Crown Court, Doncaster was sentenced to four-and-a-half years, with an extended licence period of three years, while O’Neill was jailed for 15 months.

Officer in the case DC Matthew Watson, from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, said: “This incident was a vicious attack in broad daylight where the victim could quite possibly have lost his life had it not been for the professionalism of all first responders involved.

“The offenders in this case gave little thought to the consequences of their actions on Eureka Park – to inflict such violence in front of children was nothing short of appalling.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to all residents of Swadlincote who assisted us in our enquiries – their support was invaluable throughout the investigation.

“I hope that today’s sentencing shows that there are very real consequences for those who choose to carry and use a knife – you will be caught and you will be brought to justice.”

Derby South Section Inspector Mike Sisman said: “Last year, we had two tragic incidents of knife crime in a short period within Swadlincote - one which tragically resulted in a young man losing his life and this incident left another man seriously injured.

“The offenders have now been sentenced and are off the streets. These incidents are rare in South Derbyshire and the police and partners take strong action against any knife crime.

“I want to reassure the community that we will do everything to prevent knife crime and continue to make South Derbyshire a safe place to live, work and visit.”

If you have concerns about knife crime in your area, or you want to pass on information, you can contact us in the following ways:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Crimestoppers website