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A schoolboy was stabbed in the heart and left for dead over comments he made on Facebook.
The 16-year-victim was left fighting for his life after suffering serious stab wounds to his chest, abdomen and back.
Metro UK reported that the attack was carried out by Anthony Swainbank, 16, his cousin Scott Fergie, 18, and Fergie’s best friend Matthew McLeod, 18.
The school boy whose identity has been protected was stabbed because he argued with Antony and his friends on Facebook the night before, and threats were exchanged.
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Two of his friends were also wounded in the attack by Anthony Swainbank.
The three youths were cleared of attempted murder following a two-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
But they have now been locked up for a total of 25 years after being found guilty of other charges, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Anya Horwood, prosecuting, said Swainbank stabbed the schoolboy in his chest, causing a deep wound which penetrated his heart sac.
She said Fergie punched one victim in the side of the head with a knuckle duster and McLeod stabbed the schoolboy in the back and another teenager in the leg.
The boy would have died but for the help of passers-by and doctors and now has scars down the length of his body.
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The court heard his chest had to be opened up during surgery and metal plates fitted to hold it together, meaning he can not participate in any strenuous activity like sports and has given up his dream of becoming a fitness instructor.
The 16-year old said: “These scars will be a constant reminder of what happened to me that day. They will never go away.”
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