A judge told a 19-year-old repeat knife offender that "the public will be screaming 'you got what you deserved'" after he suffered a horrific machete injury - but still spared him jail. Jevonta Gray received a three-year community order at Nottingham Crown Court this week, despite it being his fourth conviction for carrying a blade.
Judge Michael Auty KC acknowledged widespread anger over his decision but took what he called an "exceptional course." The reasoning: Gray now has direct experience of the damage such weapons inflict after nearly dying from his injuries in July 2024.
The Incident
Gray and his gang were hunting down a man on Carlton Hill in Nottingham one evening last July. Both sides were armed with machetes. When their target ran at them, Gray's group fled. Gray tripped on a scooter abandoned by one of his associates and fell backwards.
Prosecutor Gareth Gimson told the court: «The defendant was armed with a machete and fell backwards having tripped on a scooter which had been abandoned by one of his friends or associates.» The other machete-wielding man then delivered what Gimson described as «an almighty blow which resulted in an injury to the defendant's leg which, in any case, can only be described as horrific.»
Gray, then 17, suffered such severe injuries that his survival was described as miraculous. «It is no exaggeration to say it is a miracle he has walked into court today,» Gimson said. A nurse who was among the first to arrive at the scene provided crucial early care.
Judge's Reasoning
Judge Auty made clear he understood public frustration with his sentencing decision. He said: «I was born in this city and the people of Nottingham are absolutely sick to death of young men arming themselves with fearsome and ferocious weapons like machetes which have no business whatsoever in the hands of people like you who go out there looking for trouble.»
The judge referenced recent machete incidents in Nottingham: «In the last seven days the news has been full of the story of young men riding around on their bikes brandishing machetes in front of members of the public who are screaming for the court to do something about it.»
He continued: «This is your fourth conviction for carrying a blade and the public will think I am out of my mind for taking the course I am going to take. But if I sent you to prison the guidelines say that will be for a short amount of time and so when you are released you could end up straight back where you were.»
The judge explained his decision: «So the reason I am prepared to take an exceptional course with you is because you already now have direct experience of the damage these weapons can do. It is a miracle you are still alive, the injuries you suffered were horrific and you are likely to suffer the effects of them for the rest of your life.»
Current Status
Defense lawyer Stephen Cooper told the court Gray has remained out of trouble since the attack 16 months ago. «He was in hospital for a long time and, though he might have recovered physically, I don't think he has recovered emotionally,» Cooper said.
Gray must observe a curfew from 9pm to 7am every night for six months. He will also complete 20 rehabilitation sessions and a 26-day accredited program. The man who attacked him faces far more serious charges.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
