Men jailed for stabbing Bristol teenager multiple times

Two men have been jailed for stabbing a teenager in the head, abdomen and buttocks with weapons described as “frightening”.

Dontae Davis was attacked in Gloucester Street, Eastville, Bristol at around 12.30pm BST on 22 May 2021.

Rioul Scharschmidt, 21, and Romaine Mullings, 20, both from Bristol, were charged in 2023 and found guilty at Bristol Crown Court on March 7.

Appearing at the same court on May 9, Scharschmidt was sentenced to five years and six months in prison, while Mullings was jailed for 20 months.

When police and ambulance crews arrived at the scene, they found Mr Davis still had a knife stuck in his shoulder.

He was also stabbed in the head, abdomen and buttocks, but despite requiring hospital treatment, his injuries were not life-threatening.

Scharschmidt and Mullings were arrested later that day after going to the hospital for their own injuries. Scharschmidt had a knife wound to his upper back, while Mullings had injuries to his neck and arm.

Scharschmidt was convicted of wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was sentenced to five years and six months in prison for wounding with intent, with two years to run concurrently for possession of an offensive weapon.

He will serve 44 months in custody before being released on licence.

Mullings was found guilty of wounding without intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was jailed for 20 months for wounding without intent and 18 months to run concurrently for possession of an offensive weapon.

Judge Edward Burgess said he took into account the ages of the youths, who were 18 and 17 at the time.

In an impact statement read to the court, Mr Davis’s mother Niquae described her family’s experience since his death as “harrowing”.

“Happiness doesn’t come into it at this point.

“I would say it’s more of a peace of mind knowing these criminals are off the street.

“I fear for both of your mothers because maybe one day if you don’t make positive choices you will end up where Dontae is.”

Niquae read the following message to young people who choose to carry knives: “The choices you make run deep as the river runs through your family and the hearts of everyone you love.”

Judge Edward Burgess said both men stabbed Dontae Davis during the incident.

He added that they were in possession of knives which he described as “scary”, while Dontae also had a knife.

He added: “It is a depressing feature of this case that young people like you seem to have so little regard for your lives and the lives of others.”