AN OXFORD judge warned of the ‘real evil’ of social media after a row online ended up in a street brawl and stabbing.

Judge Peter Ross made the comments during the sentencing of Acacia Ricketts, who stabbed a woman with a kitchen knife near the St Giles’ Fair last year.

OXFORD STABBING - read the full report here 

Judge Ross derided the current ‘plague’ of knife crimes and said even though social media apps can have positive benefits, they also have a ‘dark side’.

He said: "It is clear to me that this is one of those cases where social media has proved itself to be a real evil.

“There are many benefits, positive benefits, from social media but the lead up to these events also demonstrate the dark side of social media.

“There is no one in this court room who will be unaware of the plague of knife related crimes, many regrettably ending in death.

"You administered a flurry of stab wounds in the course of your assault. It became a lottery as to where the knife blows ended up."

Ricketts avoided jail for the attack due to the ‘progress’ she had made since the incident.

Also in Oxford Crown Court yesterday, the victim revealed that she doesn't even feel safe in her own home

In mitigation yesterday defence barrister Harriet Gilchrist said the case reflected how 'horrible' social media can be.

She said: "They became warriors behind screens and it led to the incident that day."