A CADET has been convicted of stabbing a teenager in the head in Harrow.

The 17-year-old admitted charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and possession of an offensive weapon at Brent Youth Court on Tuesday, February 21.

The incident happened last September during a fight that developed following a dispute regarding a comment about the victim’s girlfriend in a text message.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was being pinned down by the victim on the ground when he pulled out a knife, which he had bought at a car boot sale, and pushed it into the victim’s head. The victim, also aged 17, was taken to Northwick Park Hospital, in Harrow, where his 1cm wound was stitched.

The youth court heard how the ‘vulnerable’ defendant was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Asperger’s syndrome when he was 12 and has problems interacting with people.

The defence explained that the teenager carried a knife as he thought it would be appropriate for activities at cadets and the other two knives he had bought at the car boot sale had been destroyed.

The court heard that the teenager had carried out a number of attacks after experiencing disruption in his home life and is taking anti-depressants.

Magistrate Alex Portnoy said: “We do not deem you to be dangerous. Your condition makes you vulnerable and mitigates your culpability. We note that you were not on any medication at the time.

“However, the victim suffered a stab wound to the head, and needed a butterfly stitch, which makes it a serious offence.”

The defendant was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order, made subject to a 9pm to 5am curfew, and ordered not to contact the victim.