A 15-year-old boy from St Albans who stabbed another teenager in the stomach has been jailed for nine years.

The boy, who was 14 at the time and cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm, possession of a bladed article and actual bodily harm by a jury at St Albans Crown Court on November 28.

His sentencing was postponed until January 25.

He was also sentenced for two robberies, which are unrelated to the stabbing.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said of the first offence that the boy stabbed a 16-year-old victim with a 10-inch knife in Verulamium Park on June 15, 2018.

The victim was air lifted to hospital to repair his gallbladder and stomach. He also suffered a cut to his scalp.

Another 16-year-old victim was also assaulted during the incident. He was punched and kicked by the boy and a 16-year-old accomplice, causing him to lose consciousness and suffer a concussion.

On December 22, 2017, the same 15-year-old boy from St Albans robbed two 17-year-old boys in Mercers Row, St Albans, and on January 17, 2018, he robbed another boy outside Cell Barnes Lane shops in the city.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of robbery during two separate hearings at St Albans Youth Court on January 2 and January 16 this year.

On Friday, the judge said he must serve at least six years behind bars before being considered for parole and after his release he will remain on licence for a further three years.

The probation service told the court that the teenager posed a “significant risk” to the public and was at serious risk of committing further offences.

The 16-year-old involved in the Verulamium Park violence was also found guilty by jury on November 28 last year. On December 19, he was jailed for 12 months and told he must serve a minimum of six months behind bars before being considered for release under strict terms. He is also from St Albans.

St Albans Chief Inspector Lynda Coates said: “The consequences can be devastating when someone decides to arm themselves with a knife and the victim of the stabbing was lucky to survive the violent attack.

“I have no doubt that the traumatic events of that day will stay with both of the young victims and their families for the rest of their lives.

“We are continuing to work with our partners, including schools and colleges, to talk to young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives and I would like to take this opportunity to once again urge parents to speak to their children about knife crime and be aware of where they are going and what they are doing.”

• If you are worried that someone you know may be carrying a knife or are affected by knife crime yourself, there is information, help and support available at www.knifefree.co.uk

• To report information about knife carrying to police please call 101 or report information online at www.herts.police.uk/report. If a crime is in progress always dial 999.