Teens jailed for 25 years over ‘random’ stabbing of Sheffield graduate student on West Street

Two teenagers who chased and stabbed a Sheffield graduate student on West Street have been jailed.

Ramaray Treasure, 18, of Tansley Street in Sheffield, and Leon Sykes, 19, of Victoria Street in Stocksbridge, stabbed the man multiple times in the early hours of Saturday 9th March 2024.

The victim, who had completed his Master’s degree in the city six months earlier, sustained serious injuries which were initially thought to be life threatening.

The attack was interrupted by a “brave” member of the public who helped the man – as Treasure and Sykes fled the scene.

The pair were tracked by CCTV and seen walking along Division Street towards Pound’s Park, where they were arrested minutes later.

Gareth Rees, Detective Constable at South Yorkshire Police, called it a “horrendous and random attack”.

“Treasure and Sykes were tracked as they made their way through Sheffield. At one point, they were seen laughing between themselves. That laughter soon stopped as they were greeted by our officers, ” he said.

After both admitting to a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place at a hearing in April 2024, they later pleaded guilty to attempted murder in November.

At Sheffield Crown Court last week, Sykes was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison, while Treasure was jailed for 12 years.

The victim said in an impact statement that he now suffers from anxiety and depressive episodes as a result of the stabbing.

Detective Constable Rees added he was “pleased” with the sentences, and gave thanks to 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.”

Featured image from South Yorkshire Police