An 18-year-old who stabbed a man in the heart in a park leaving him with life-threatening injuries has been convicted.

Alex Luszczkiewicz, of Calthorpe Road, Banbury, has been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place in Banbury.

The victim, an 18-year-old man was stabbed to the heart by Luszczkiewicz in People's Park just before midnight on August 4 this year.

He sustained severe and life-threatening injuries and had to undergo life-saving surgery in hospital.

He has since been discharged and is making a slow recovery, police said in a statement today. 

Luszczkiewicz was arrested on August 6 and charged with attempted murder on August 8.

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At a hearing at Oxford Crown Court last Monday (September 30), the prosecution accepted an alternative guilty plea of section 18 GBH with intent as well as the knife possession offence.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Shahed Ali, based at Banbury police station, said: “Luszczkiewicz has pleaded guilty to a very serious offence and will be dealt with accordingly in December by the courts.

“It is only through the excellent medical care that the victim received that he survived his injuries, and is on the road to recovery.

“Those who carry knives are robustly targeted and pursued by Thames Valley Police.

“If you carry a knife, there is every chance you will use it, and as has been seen in this case, cause very serious, or fatal injuries.

“We will never tire at bringing those who carry such weapons to justice and Luszczkiewicz can anticipate a lengthy custodial sentence as a result of his violent actions that night."

Luszczkiewicz has been remanded in custody and will appear at Oxford Crown Court for sentencing on December 6.