PREMIUM
A homeless man stabbed a teenager after being beaten up outside a Tesco store.
Gary Stephens decided to take “retributive action” after being left with facial injuries when a 17-year-old stepped into an argument he was having with a woman.
The teenager was seen on CCTV throwing some sort of liquid over Stephens who was sitting outside the Express store in New Road, Gravesend, on August 11, 2022.
Stephens, 40, and the victim then squared up to each other before exchanging blows and rolling around on the ground.
After members of the public intervened, the teenager, who is now in his 20s, walked up the road to a nearby kebab shop.
Footage played in the court showed Stephens moments later, crossing the road and walking up to the eatery before lunging at the victim.
Again, a scuffle ensued, and at one point, the teenager backs off and is seen lifting his top up to look at his left side.
Prosecutor Angela Hamilton said the victim “felt something go into him,” and he originally thought it was Stephens’ fingers.
In a victim impact statement, taken back in 2022, they added: “I didn’t think I had been stabbed.”
Detailing how the wound was two inches away from his lungs, the teenager continued: “I’m scared to walk the streets and keep having flashbacks.
“I’m lucky to be alive, really.”
Defending, John Fitzgerald said Stephens had pleaded guilty to the section 20 wounding without intent charge as early as possible.
He detailed how one witness at the scene had been walking back to the bar he owned in the town when he saw a “really cocky” young man who “looked like he was up for a fight” approach Stephens and punch him up to four times.
Mr Fitzgerald said the teen had “involved himself unnecessarily” and there was a “significant degree of provocation” before the attack.
Recorder Matthew Hellens sentenced Stephens to one year and two months in prison.
A multi-tool article which was seized by police must also be forfeited and destroyed.
