A FARNHAM teenager has been jailed after pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Thomas Gawthorp, 18, of Green Springs, Crondall, near Farnham, was jailed for three years and ten months yesterday at Guildford Crown Court.

The incident happened on August 8 around 10.40pm when Gawthorp stabbed his victim three times in the back in Frimley Green Road.

Gawthorp, who was 17 at the time, then dropped his knife and ran off before being cornered by a member of the public who witnessed the attack before being arrested by police.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alex Sarakinis said: “This was a motiveless and unprovoked attack by Thomas Gawthorp who was suffering from mental health issues at the time.

“We know this incident caused considerable concern in the community and we would like to reassure people that incidents of this nature are not an everyday occurrence in our county.

“Fortunately, the victim has made a full recovery from an attack that could have been much worse. I would like to commend the bravery of the member of the public who gave chase, especially as they had just witnessed Gawthorp stab the victim with a knife.

“It shows a tremendous amount of integrity and courage on their behalf to put themselves in harm’s way.

“I hope this sentence sends a message that carrying a knife can only lead to two outcomes, you or someone else getting hurt, and carrying a weapon in our county won’t be tolerated.”

Gawthorp pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court on November 1.