Three teenagers have been handed custodial sentences after a violent assault in central Blackpool that left a local man in his 30s with multiple stab wounds. The attack took place shortly after midnight on 28 October and prompted an investigation by Lancashire Police's major investigation team.
Incident and injuries
Emergency services were called to the junction of Stan Mortensen Avenue and Princess Street following reports of an assault. The victim, described as a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but has since made a recovery.
Arrests and charges
Three teenagers, aged 16, 17 and 17 at the time of the incident, were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder. They subsequently faced trial at Preston Crown Court where different verdicts and pleas led to separate sentences.
- A 17-year-old was convicted of Section 18 wounding with intent and jailed for four years.
- Mackenzie Feenie, aged 18 and of Bond Street, was found guilty of Section 20 wounding and sentenced to 23 months in custody.
- Another 17-year-old, who had pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding, received a sentence of three years and six months.
Police response and community impact
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Vescovi, of Lancashire Police's Force Major Investigation Team, spoke about the gravity of the case and the wider implications of knife crime. She warned that the incident could easily have ended in a murder investigation and highlighted the lasting consequences for both victims and offenders.
"This incident left the victim with some really serious injuries, and this could easily have become a murder investigation. This goes to show the life changing consequences that using a knife can have – both for victims but also those who carry them."
The sentences reflect differing levels of culpability and the outcomes of court proceedings in which one defendant pleaded guilty while others were convicted after trial. The case underlines continued concerns about youth involvement in violent incidents and the role of local policing and safeguarding measures.
| Defendant | Age at time | Offence | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed | 17 | Section 18 wounding with intent | 4 years |
| Mackenzie Feenie | 18 | Section 20 wounding | 23 months |
| Unnamed | 17 | Section 18 wounding (guilty plea) | 3 years 6 months |
Local residents and visitors to the town centre will be aware that high-profile incidents of this nature attract significant police resources and public concern. Lancashire Police's statement and the court outcomes form part of an ongoing effort to address violent crime in the county and deter possession of knives.
Anyone with information about the incident who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact Lancashire Police's Major Investigation Team through the usual channels.
