Southampton Knife Attack: Teen Stabbed, Attacker Locked Up for 18 Months
A Southampton man has been sentenced to 18 months behind bars after stabbing a teenage boy in broad daylight on Warburton Road, Thornhill.
Leighton Tabone’s Violent Bladed Assault
Leighton Tabone, 21, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and possession of a blade in a public place. The sentencing took place at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday, 11 May.
The shocking attack unfolded on the afternoon of Wednesday, 10 February, when police were called to reports of a fight between groups of men on Warburton Road.
Teen Victims Suffer Knife Wounds
- Two teenage boys found at the scene.
- One, aged 16, suffered minor arm injuries.
- The other, now 18, was stabbed in the hand.
Following the stabbing, police authorised a Section 60 order — an emergency power that allows officers to stop and search without usual restrictions — to curb further violence in the Thornhill area for 24 hours.
Cops Crack the Case Quickly
Detectives rapidly analysed CCTV footage and identified Tabone as the attacker. He was arrested, charged, and subsequently admitted to carrying a knife and causing serious injury.
Detective Constable Simon Rickets said: “This was a troubling incident involving a knife. Tabone went out that day armed, resulting in a teenage boy being stabbed. Fortunately, the injuries were minor, but it could have been much worse.”
“I hope today’s sentence sends a loud and clear message — violence will not be tolerated. We are committed to removing dangerous offenders from our streets to keep Southampton safe.”
“Section 60 powers help us reduce weapon-related violence in emergencies but aren’t a long-term fix. We’re working with Southampton’s Violence Reduction Unit to tackle the root causes, but it takes the whole community working together.”
“We urge anyone with information about knife crime to report it by calling 101 or visiting 123. The site offers education and resources to tackle violent crime and protect the community.
