A concerned mum called police when her son left the house holding a knife, a court heard. But by the time they caught up with Caisey Perrett, who was in the grip of a mental health crisis, he had stabbed one man in the chest and punched another.
Perrett had accused staff at Yate Kebab and Pizza House of staring at a young girl and called them "paedophiles", Bristol Crown Court heard. Though Perrett left the premises he returned and stabbed a customer in the chest. When a staff member approached him Perrett punched him in the face.
Perrett, who was aged 17 at the time of the offence but has since turned 18, of Abbotswood in Yate, pleaded guilty to wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon. The recorder Mr David Chidgey imposed an 18-month community order, with rehabilitation, a mental health treatment requirement and 100 hours' unpaid work.
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The recorder told him: "You know how serious it is to take a knife and use it against someone. That's obvious, isn't it?
"This is an unusual case. Usually where someone uses a knife they go to prison.
"You are only 18, an incredibly young age, and you were younger still when you committed this offence. You have no previous convictions, which is important."
Alun Williams, prosecuting, said Perrett remonstrated with staff at the kebab house. After leaving, he ran back in via the back door and stabbed a waiting customer in the chest and arm.
The customer pushed him away and left the premises, the court heard. He only realised he had been stabbed when he dripped blood outside.
In the meantime Perrett punched a member of staff, who also suffered injuries to his arm as he defended himself from the blade. Staff were able to drive Perrett from the shop and he was arrested nearby.
Medics found the customer had been stabbed under his heart. He gave an impact statement in which he said: "I feel lucky to be alive.
"If he had used something bigger I may not even be here. I thank God I'm OK." He said he thought Perrett must have mistaken him for a staff member.
Perrett told police he was provoked at the shop. He indicated that he had mental health issues at the time.
'Pleasant young man'
Alistair Haggerty, defending, said had his client been charged in a more timely fashion then it was likely he would have been dealt with at the Youth Court. He suggested sentence should be in accordance with the sentence his client would have received if he had been dealt with then.
Mr Haggerty told the court: "He has no previous convictions and has had nothing since. He has returned to being a law-abiding, pleasant young man. There is genuine remorse."
The court heard Perrett had been struggling with mental health at the time after suffering from personal tragedy in his life. Mr Haggerty said Perrett's desire was for routine and structure and to be occupied.
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