A teenage boy who stabbed a woman in the street has been jailed. 

The 37-year-old woman had been walking in Church Place, Kemp Town, Brighton when the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, got into a verbal altercation with her. 

He was heard making threats before approaching the woman and attacking her. He then ran away.

The woman was taken to hospital with a serious stab wound to her head. She has since been discharged and is continuing her recovery at home. 

The boy had said to a witness that the woman had "disrespected him" as he walked on the opposite side of the street on May 25 this year and that "voices in his head told him to do her in".

The teenager was arrested on Monday, May 27, and charged later that evening with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a weapon in a public place.

READ MORE: Teenager stabbed woman this weekend 'because she looked at him' in the street

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 28, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was remanded in juvenile detention ahead of sentencing. 

At the same court on Friday he was sentenced to a two-year detention and training order. 

Detective Constable Manni Guffogg said: “This deeply concerning attack, following the most minor of provocations, highlights the serious impact of knife crime and underscores the need for continued efforts to educate individuals about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. 

“We need to ensure people understand that perceived slights must never be answered with this kind of brutal and reckless violence. 

“The victim in this matter should be commended for providing her evidence to the police in extremely challenging circumstances.  

“I would also like to highlight the work of my colleagues in Sussex Police and the Crown Prosecution who worked tirelessly to ensure a swift conviction in this matter.

"If you have a concern about someone carrying a knife, please let us know online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency."