Charges against a 14-year-old boy accused of attempted murder have been dismissed.
The teen faced allegations over a reported stabbing in the West Howe area of Bournemouth.
He was charged with attempted murder, wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
These alleged offences related to an incident in the evening of Wednesday, February 22, when Dorset Police was called to reports of a possible stabbing in Mandale Road.
The complainant, a 14-year-old local boy, was reportedly found in nearby Gladdis Road with a single stab wound.
At a brief Bournemouth Crown Court hearing on Monday, June 5, the 14-year-old defendant had all three charges against him dismissed following an application by his barrister.
Judge Susan Evans KC also made a defendant’s costs order.
Prosecutor Tom Wright said the crown’s position was not sufficient to bring a charge on the threshold required.
The court heard that forensic analysis was of no assistance to the prosecution’s position while other evidence amounted to matters that we “open to interpretation”.
Mary Aspinall-Miles, representing the teenager, told the court “we find this situation wholly appalling on behalf of a young defendant”.
The court heard the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been remanded in custody for some time before being bailed.
Judge Evans KC said she understood the concerns raised by Ms Aspinall-Miles while she also appreciated the position the crown was in.
There were currently “huge delays” in forensic laboratories, the judge said.
“I hope the Crown Prosecution Service and the police will be reviewing what has happened in this case and I hope that there will be some lessons learned when they are dealing with youths,” Ms Aspinall-Miles said.
Judge Evans KC said these sorts of cases were dealt with “very seriously” by the crown and police, adding: “I am sure there will be a review of the case in due course.”
Mr Wright said the case needed to be properly investigated but acknowledged with hindsight what happened was “regrettable”.
The Daily Echo has approached Dorset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for comment.
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