Two people accused of serious assault in Market Harborough plead guilty

Two people who attacked a 23-year-old man in Market Harborough in June 2021 have both pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court yesterday (Monday 14 August).

Tyler Groom, 21, formerly of Harrowden Lane, Finedon, along with an 18-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were due to stand trial yesterday but pleaded guilty to Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

The court heard how an argument the previous day led Groom and a group of youths to confront the victim in the Britannia Walk area of Market Harborough during the evening of Saturday 12 June, 2021.

Groom and his assailant stabbed the victim in the leg and chest before running away.

The victim managed to get to some nearby shops where he collapsed and was found by an off-duty police officer.

He was airlifted to hospital and treated for superficial injuries.

Following extensive enquiries, including speaking to eye witnesses and carrying out a trawl of CCTV from the area, officers were able to arrest the two suspects the following day.

They were both charged with Section 18 GBH last year after being released on bail pending further enquiries.

They are due to be sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on Monday 4 September.

Detective Constable Alex Horwood was the investigating officer. He said: “This was a distressing incident not only for the victim but for those who witnessed it and the aftermath. 

“While this should not have happened at all, it was fortunate the victim did not sustain more serious injuries from the incident.  This has been an extremely difficult time for him and we are pleased the defendants have been convicted.

“Quite understandably the incident caused a great deal of concern amongst the local community too and we hope yesterday’s outcome helps in providing some reassurance.

“Dealing with knife crime is a major priority for the force and the Lives not Knives campaign, which has been running for many years, aims to educate young people of the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.

“Further details regarding the campaign can be found at https://www.leics.police.uk/police-forces/leicestershire-police/areas/leicestershire-force-content/c/campaigns/2019/knife-crime/.”

Anyone who has any concerns about knife crime or crime in their area is encouraged to report it via 101 or through the force website at www.leics.police.uk