FIVE teenagers have been jailed for more than 40 years for the daylight stabbing of a 14-year-old schoolboy at Hammersmith bus station.
On Friday, the violent gang were sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court, after they left the victim fighting for his life following the attack at 3.50pm on May 16.
Police swooped in to arrest three boys that night, and were charged with grievous bodily harm with intent the following day.
The final two attackers were arrested on May 19.
Three of the teens pleaded guilty to the charge while two denied being involved but were found guilty after a week-long trial.
Due to legal reasons the Chronicle is unable to name four of the attackers, however one of the boys, Jay Baptiste has since turned 18.
Baptiste and a 17-year-old were both jailed for 10 years.
A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old were sentenced to eight years, and the fifth member, a 16-year-old was handed down a six and a half year sentence.
Eyewitnesses to the attack described the frenetic scene to the Chronicle in May as air ambulance, police and paramedics rushed to the Broadway.
One said the pavement was covered in blood and friends of the Richmond Park Academy pupil rushed in panic to help.
The Metropolitan Police hope the convictions will help deter youngsters in Hammersmith and Fulham from carrying knives.
Detective Constable Ana Ambros from the Violent Crime Unit based at Hammersmith Police Station said: "This was an horrific, premeditated attack on a unarmed 14 year old schoolboy in a busy bus station at 3.45pm, which left the victim with life changing injuries.
"The youths showed a total disregard for the normal rules of society, committing a violent attack in front of a large number of school children and innocent passersby. The swift police response and effective investigation resulted in the five youths being arrested, charged and remanded. We are extremely pleased with the length of their sentences which reflect the gravity of the crime they committed. This will hopefully deter others and sends out a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated".
