Man who stabbed teenager is jailed

A man who stabbed a teenager in the neck after he refused to hand over his Gucci bag has been jailed.

The victim, who had just turned 18, was at a house party in Chaddesden when a group of uninvited people arrived. The party ended so the victim left the address with friends but as he walked along Wood Road he was approached by Nathaniel Kiruma who demanded he hand over his Gucci bag. When he refused, Kiruma produced a knife before making several attempts to stab the victim. The victim threw his bag to a friend but was stabbed to the left side of his neck and through his left hand.

His life was saved thanks to the quick-thinking of his friends and passers-by at the scene, as well as the efforts of medical staff at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where he underwent emergency surgery. He also required further surgery for the injury to his hand.

Nathaniel Kiruma

Kiruma was arrested but refused to answer any questions in his police interview. He initially denied attempted murder but pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm when he appeared at Derby Crown Court on Monday 5 June for the first day of trial. He also admitted robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

The 19-year-old, of Cotton Lane, Derby, appeared for sentencing at the crown court on Wednesday 7 June where he was jailed for five and a half years for the offences, which occurred on June 26 2021.

Detective Constable Tim Phillips, who led the investigation, said: “The medical evidence showed that the injury sustained by the victim was so serious that it almost cost him his life. I would like to pass on my own gratitude to all those who directly helped with the first aid given to the victim, ranging from his friends and passers-by through to the quick attendance and skills of the attending clinicians and hospital surgeons. Had it not been for their quick thinking and actions, there could have been a much more devastating outcome.

“The local community should also be praised for their understanding during a period of disruption when police cordons were in place whilst forensics officers completed their examinations as well as for the intelligence provided during the investigation.

“This case shows that anyone who carries a knife or other weapon in public not only puts themselves and others at risk of serious harm but could also face a substantial custodial sentence.”