STV NewsA teenager who tried to kill a 13-year-old boy in a racist attack has been jailed for more than seven years.
Junior Cameron called the young victim a “p*** b******” during the attack in Glasgow’s Queen’s Park on March 8 last year.
The child was punched, kicked and stabbed, leaving him badly affected by his ordeal.
Cameron – now aged 18 – was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.
He had earlier admitted to the racially aggravated attempted murder.
Lord Colbeck sentenced Cameron to seven years and two months, cutting the sentence from nine years due to the guilty plea.
Cameron will also be supervised for three years on his release.
The boy was set upon as he walked through the park after attending a class at a local mosque.
Cameron – who was under the influence at the time – confronted the victim and started yelling at him.
The court heard claims the attacker had been told by others that his sister had previously been in an “altercation” with the boy.
Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel then explained: “Cameron punched him on the head.
“The boy tried to get away, but he grabbed him and took him to the ground.
“Cameron then repeatedly punched and kicked him on the head and body while calling him a ‘p*** b******’.”
There was then a struggle, and Cameron was caught putting what was thought to be a knife in his pocket.
A passer-by found the stricken boy, who had passed out. It then emerged that he had been stabbed.
The court heard he had three wounds to his back, which needed a total of 12 stitches.
He also had tendon damage in his hand, which continues to cause issues with his grip.
The boy has since suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares and attends a trauma clinic.
Cameron’s KC Thomas Ross told the court: “His mother and partner remain extremely supportive.
“The position is that he is fully committed to taking advantage of all educational opportunities while in custody, then returning to work and avoiding all past negative associations.”
Sentencing, Lord Colbeck said it appeared Cameron had displayed “genuine remorse” for what he had done.
But, he also stated: “The offence was racially aggravated and also by the fact that you were on bail at the time.
“You attacked a vulnerable 13-year-old boy, who had caused you no harm.
“While short, the attack was vicious and involved the use of a weapon.”
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