Stabbing teenager sent to secure hospital

A young schizophrenic patient who attacked a pizza delivery driver has been sent to a secure hospital.

Joseph Stevenson — who was among a gang of four who jumped on delivery man John Brown in Dinnington in February — was told that he would ordinarily have faced prison, but that his condition made treatment by doctors more appropriate.

Stevenson (18) has been held in Wath Wood Hospital for treatment since his arrest earlier this year and a judge ordered that he should remain there for treatment until doctors declared him fit to be released.

Stevenson was with his twin brother Jake (18), of Woodland Drive, North Anston and two friends - Daniel Ball (22) of Doe Quarry Lane, Dinnington; and Thomas Smith (16) of Nursery Drive, North Anston - when they attacked Mr Brown.

The 43-year-old was driving away from a house on Nursery Road, Dinnington, when he was set upon by the gang, who stole a bag with pizzas inside.

Mr Brown initially resisted the attack, only handing over the bag when he felt several sharp blows from behind.

He had driven away from the scene before he realised that he had been stabbed and admitted himself to hospital.

A witness standing at a nearby bus stop identified the gang to police.

The attack left Mr Brown with two wounds to his arm and back.

He was released from hospital on the same day and has since made a full recovery.

Ball has admitted to robbery and carrying a knife, while the other defendants denied robbery but admitted theft.

Sentencing of Stevenson’s co-defendants was adjourned until September 4, while Judge Baker awaits pre-sentence reports.

Ball was remanded in custody while Smith and Jake Stevenson were released on bail.