Kevin Biji, a 17-year-old, was sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to murder a love rival by stabbing him in the heart with a machete. This incident occurred two years after Biji had previously assaulted another boy with a knife in a city centre car park.

On April 9 this year, Biji, wearing a balaclava, lured a 16-year-old boy into a dark alleyway by impersonating his girlfriend on Snapchat. The victim was ambushed around 10.30pm as he cycled to the meeting place, where Biji emerged with a machete, stating "That's my ting", referring to the same girl, identified as Girl A.

The assailant attacked the teenager, inflicting two stab wounds to his chest. Despite his injuries, the victim managed to escape on his bicycle and alerted his family, who provided first aid before taking him to Aintree Hospital. There, doctors discovered that the machete had pierced the heart's membrane, which could have been fatal without emergency surgery.

After the attack, Biji messaged Girl B, confessing he had been stabbed and may die. He also contacted Girl A, instructing her to hide her phone. The next morning, police arrived at Biji's home, where he attempted to flee but was subsequently detained.

During the investigation, a knife and balaclava were found in his bedroom. Biji claimed he had gone out to speak to the victim, alleging that the other boy attacked him first. However, medical evidence contradicted his claims, stating the victim's injuries were not consistent with accidental contact.

The trial at Liverpool Crown Court resulted in Biji being convicted of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and carrying a bladed article. His prior conviction from 2022 involved grievous bodily harm with intent, committed when he was just 14 years old.

A judge ruled to lift media restrictions typically placed on defendants under 18 due to the severity of Biji's offenses. Defence attorney Lloyd Morgan expressed Biji's remorse and advocated for a rehabilitation opportunity, citing his difficult upbringing influenced by domestic violence and neglect.

Biji was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 10 years in a young offenders' institution, and was also issued a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his victim indefinitely. Judge Stuart Driver KC highlighted the premeditated nature of the attack and the significant harm caused to the victim, who now lives with a permanent scar and psychological trauma.