A CARLISLE teen stabbed a man with a knife which the victim had taken out in his own home because he feared trouble by unwanted visitors.
James Queen had earlier left a shop in the London Road area at around 6.30pm on January 11.
As he did so, Mr Queen saw 19-year-old Michael Dean-Norman, whom he recognised from a hostel at which he had previously stayed.
Dean-Norman got out of a car belonging to a support worker and went with Mr Queen to the latter’s address, off Greystone Road.
Inside the property, Dean-Norman asked for — and was given — £20.
“The defendant then stated Mr Queen owed him further money which Queen did dispute,” prosecutor Daniel Bramhall told Carlisle Crown Court.
After a row between the pair, Dean-Norman left for half an hour. “In anticipation of what the defendant may do on his return, Mr Queen placed a knife on the mantelpiece, believing the defendant may bring others,” said Mr Bramhall.
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There was a further argument when Dean-Norman returned. “During which,” said Mr Bramhall, “the defendant struck Mr Queen to the side of his face.”
This caused Mr Queen to chase his attacker around some parked cars before Dean-Norman went inside the house, returning with the blade. “He has then stabbed Mr Queen to the arm before fleeing with the knife,” said Mr Bramhall.
Mr Queen was knifed twice to the right forearm — suffering a deep cut — and had lacerations to his head.
“The male who stabbed me used extreme violence against me,” Mr Queen later stated. “The incident has left me feeling petrified. I feel terrified about leaving the house.”
Dean-Norman initially denied being responsible for the violence, but later admitted an actual bodily harm assault charge.
The court heard Dean-Norman had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a young teen, and severe autism, which had led to a difficult transition into adulthood.
Judith McCullough, defending, spoke of his “worsening mental health” and that he had already served the equivalent of a lengthy jail term while remanded in custody.
Dean-Norman, of Yewdale Road, Carlisle, had an 18-month prison sentence suspended for 20 months.
He must complete rehabilitation, 200 hours’ unpaid work and a two-month night time curfew. He was also banned from contacting his victim in any way for five years.
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