Doncaster, England – Four men have been sentenced to a total of 53 years and eight months in jail after viciously attacking two young boys with bats and machetes in an abandoned warehouse in the Askern area of Doncaster. The attack, which took place on April 11, 2023, left the victims with severe injuries and trauma.
John and Robert Mahoney, Kian Carte, and Mark Siddall assaulted a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old boy, leaving them with deep cuts, stab wounds, and significant head injuries. The 16-year-old victim, in particular, was so severely injured that he believed he was going to die. After the attackers fled, he was rushed to the hospital and underwent eight hours of surgery to address his injuries.
The attackers were quickly arrested and charged with attempted murder, although they later pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm. On February 6th, the four men were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.
John Mahoney, 38, Robert Mahoney, 41, Kian Carte, 22, and Mark Siddall, 39, received jail sentences ranging from 13 to 14 years. In addition to the charges related to the attack on the young boys, Carte also admitted to a separate count of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Detective Sergeant Kath Coulter, who led the investigation, described the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and praised the investigative team for quickly identifying and convicting the perpetrators. She expressed hope that the sentences would provide some closure to the victims as they try to rebuild their lives and recover from the physical and emotional trauma they experienced.
The assault on the two young boys has shocked the community, prompting concerns about the prevalence of violent attacks involving weapons. The substantial jail sentences for the perpetrators may serve as a deterrent and a message that such brutal behavior will not be tolerated.
The victims, meanwhile, are left to grapple with the physical and emotional scars of the attack, a difficult journey that will likely require ongoing support and counseling. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of violent crimes on victims and communities, and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.