YOUTH OFFENDER ZAINE HYLTON INVOLVED IN ROBBERY IN BOLTON PARK

An 18-year-old man, Zaine Hylton from Bolton, was involved in a violent robbery at a park, where he held a large serrated blade to a teenage boy's throat before stealing his iPhone and cash, and later sharing footage of the assault on social media. The court heard that Hylton, along with a 16-year-old from Manchester, targeted a 16-year-old boy from St Helens as he walked through Thatto Heath park around 8:45 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020.

Prosecutor Zarah Baqri told Liverpool Crown Court that the two boys began following the teenager on bicycles, demanding his phone and any money he had. Hylton, who tried to conceal his identity by wearing a balaclava, gloves, and hood, pulled out a “large serrated blade the size of his forearm” and forced the victim into a more secluded part of the park.

Ms. Baqri explained, “After [the victim] continually refused to hand over his telephone, [Hylton] told him he would stab him with the knife held to his throat.” Under this threat, the teenager handed over his iPhone, valued at around £1000. The attackers then made him wait while they unlocked and wiped his phone of data, with Hylton recording footage of the attack, which was later posted on social media.

The terrifying ordeal lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes, ending only when the attackers heard distant police sirens and fled the scene on their bikes.

Baqri highlighted the emotional toll on the victim, stating he “has not been the same since the attack” and feels “deeply embarrassed” and “ashamed” about what happened. As a result, he stopped socializing and attending school, which negatively affected his grades and GCSE performance.

Defense attorney Mr. Pojur urged the judge to consider that Hylton was only 16 at the time of the robbery. Due to a “frankly inexcusable delay” in sentencing, Judge Potter opted to sentence Hylton under youth offender guidelines rather than as an adult. He was sentenced to two years in a young offenders’ institution, with his sentence reduced to 18 months because of his guilty plea. The judge expressed concerns about Hylton's propensity for re-offending, stating, “The case makes for very disturbing reading and I believe there is a high risk of you re-offending and causing serious harm.”

He added, “At a tender age, you have a serious criminal record and I am satisfied that your criminal behaviour has become entrenched.” The judge emphasized the importance of public protection over rehabilitation in this instance.

Hylton’s accomplice received a 12-month rehabilitation order at Greater Manchester Youth Court, which includes a three-month curfew and a ban on contact with Hylton.