Two teenagers who attacked three men – leaving one fighting for his life – have today been sentenced to a total of 19 years in detention.

Ian Huggins, aged 18, and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, each pleaded guilty to three counts of wounding with intent. At Cardiff Crown Court today, the 17-year-old was sentenced to 10 years and Huggins was sentenced to nine years and three months in a young offenders' institution.

The pair, both from Barry, assaulted their victims in the early hours of January 23, 2019, in North Walk, Barry.

All three victims - aged 23 to 27 - were known to their assailants and received treatment in hospital for their injuries.

One of the victims, a 23-year-old man, was placed in a medically induced coma having sustained a number of puncture wounds; one of which had penetrated his heart.

In a victim personal statement, the 23-year-old victim, said he still had no memory of the attack.

The court heard, that the assault took place following a collision between a silver Ford Focus - containing the defendants - and a blue Ford Focus - containing the victims.

The 23-year-old victim got out of the car and was stabbed multiple times by the defendants leaving him with life-threatening injuries which required major surgery. The defendants then turned their attention to those inside the car where they attacked the other two victims.

The 26-year-old man suffered cuts to his head and the 27-year-old man sustained injuries to his hand and left side of his body. They were able to escape their attackers following which the defendants set the interior of one of the cars alight before driving away in the other.

The pair were quickly arrested; a bladed keyring and two knives were recovered from subsequent searches.

During the sentencing, Judge Eleri Rees, told the defendants that whatever the provocation they faced, both of them went on the offensive and there was no justification for the level of violence used against the three victims.

Judge Rees also made it clear to the two defendants that it was fortunate for them, the 23-year-old victim had pulled through and it was no exaggeration that he almost died.

Detective Inspector Simon Morgan, of Barry CID, said: "This was a vicious assault which could have easily led to a man losing his life. But for a few millimetres, this would have been a murder investigation. I hope today's sentences provide some closure for the victims and their families.

"The positive response from the community throughout our investigation has been crucial in securing today's sentences. I would also like to thank the team at Barry CID, and in particular the officer in the case, for their hard work in ensuring the convictions of these two violent individuals and keeping the communities of Barry safe."

He added: "South Wales Police is committed to tackling knife crime and robustly dealing with those involved in such criminality. We hope these significant sentences sends out a strong message to anyone considering carrying or using a knife for criminal purposes to think of the consequences.

"We would urge anyone with any information regarding the use or carrying of knives to contact us via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."