Local teenager pleads guilty to attacking female student

He admitted to having fantasies about killing female family members

assault attack cameron higgins crime

A teenager has been jailed for using “grotesque violence” during an unprovoked baseball bat attack on a Leeds student.

Cameron Higgins attacked a young woman on his 17th birthday in Headingley last April.

The teenager approached the victim when he was out with his friends, donning a disguise and threatening her with a knife. He then beat her repeatedly with a bat and stole her phone.

The court heard Higgins continued to attack the screaming woman after he had already knocked her down, leaving her with a gash to the head and severe bruising.

Higgins said he had attacked her because it excited him and he wanted to “permanently shut her up.”

After a search warrant was used for his home, police found a crossbow and £500 worth of cocaine and cannabis. He said he’d been selling drugs for around a year before the attack.

He also also said he fantasised about stabbing and killing his mother, sister and his father’s girlfriend.

Now 18, Higgins pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class A and B drugs with intent to supply.

Leeds Crown Court was informed that while being held in custody, he had attacked staff and inmates and had taken part in a riot.

Higgins has been given an extended sentence of 12 years. He must serve a custodial period of eight years followed by four years on licence.