Mason Clague receives six-year sentence for intent to inflict grievous bodily harm

In a shocking incident, Mason Clague, a 23-year-old student from Bootle, Merseyside, has been sentenced to six years in jail for a brutal attack on a 12-year-old boy during his sister’s birthday party. The jury convicted Clague of intent to inflict grievous bodily harm after a tria

The vicious assault occurred in the back garden of the victim’s grandmother’s house, where Clague, along with another man, stabbed the child three times in the leg during a “frenzied” attack on a bouncy castle. While the injuries required hospital treatment, they were fortunately not life-threatening.

During the trial, Clague denied the assault but was found guilty of wounding with intent. Liverpool Crown Court Judge David Knifton, in his sentencing, acknowledged that the jury wasn’t certain Clague carried a knife to the scene but emphasized that a knife was used, leading to the serious injuries.

Judge Knifton stated, “Whether or not you actually inflicted the stab wounds, those responses indicate to me you were aware of the knife and were supportive, knowing the serious injuries that were likely to result.”

The attack shocked the local community in Bootle, Merseyside. The incident unfolded when the 12-year-old and his 14-year-old friend left the birthday party to buy drinks. Clague, angered by the boys’ playful behavior, chased them into the garden, where the assault occurred. The victim’s mother bravely intervened, emphasizing her son’s age, but Clague responded with threats.

Prosecutor Robert Wyn Jones highlighted that the boy suffered four stab wounds in the thigh and buttocks, and the attack left lasting trauma, resulting in a diagnosis of PTSD. Despite Clague’s defense maintaining his not guilty plea, the judge emphasized his role in the attack and the profound impact on the young victim’s life.