Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 26th March 2025, at 15:45hrs
Two teenagers have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after a vicious, unprovoked stabbing attack on a man in Sheffield city centre.
Ramaray Treasure, 18, and Leon Sykes, 19, targeted their victim in the early hours of March 9th, subjecting him to multiple stab wounds.
The incident unfolded on West Street, where CCTV operators tracked Treasure and Sykes as they chased the man before launching their brutal assault.
A courageous member of the public intervened, interrupting the attack and prompting the assailants to flee.
Unbeknownst to the pair, CCTV continued to monitor their movements as they walked through the city centre. They were observed laughing on Division Street as they headed towards Pound’s Park, where police officers, directed by CCTV operators, apprehended them.
During the arrest, Treasure attempted to discard a knife by throwing it over a wall, while Sykes retreated with his hands concealed. Two knives were subsequently recovered.
Despite being charged with attempted murder, both Treasure, of Tansley Street, Sheffield, and Sykes, of Victoria Street, Stocksbridge, initially remained silent during police interviews.
They were set to face trial in November, but ultimately changed their pleas to guilty at Sheffield Crown Court on November 4th. They had previously admitted to possessing offensive weapons in a public place.
On Friday, March 21st, Treasure was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Sykes received a sentence of 13 years and eight months.
In a poignant victim impact statement, the injured man detailed the ongoing physical and emotional trauma he continues to endure.
He described persistent pain, anxiety, and depressive episodes, and explained how the attack has derailed his career, which was just beginning to take off following the completion of his master’s degree.
Detective Constable Gareth Rees, who led the investigation, condemned the “horrendous and random attack,” highlighting the public nature of the crime and the severity of the victim’s injuries.
“Treasure and Sykes launched an horrendous and random attack on a victim who they chased through a busy city centre street and stabbed multiple times in full view of passers-by and a businessman operating a food truck,” he stated.
He also praised the bravery of the individual who intervened, and acknowledged the significant impact the attack has had on the victim’s life.
“The victim suffered extremely serious injuries which were initially considered to be life-threatening, and he is still dealing with the effects of the attack to this day.”
DC Rees expressed satisfaction with the sentences handed down, and extended his gratitude to the victim for his resilience throughout the legal proceedings.
“Thanks to the mountain of CCTV evidence we had attained, both men had no choice but to plead guilty to attempted murder.
I am pleased with the sentence handed down today, and would like to thank the victim for his bravery throughout proceedings.
I hope today’s sentence provides some sort of closure, and that he can now begin to move on from his horrific ordeal.”
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