A teenager has been sentenced for stabbing a KFC worker in Stratford following a dispute over chips.

The 15-year-old boy was given a six-and-a-half year sentence at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday for attacking the 35-year-old male manager while he was working behind the counter at KFC in Stratford Broadway on March 13.

The defendant, who was guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and having an offensive weapon, has been ordered to serve four years in detention with a further two and a half years on license.

Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, Catherine Gould, said the attack took place after a dispute arose between the defendant and the manager over another customer’s chips.

She said: “The defendant became increasingly aggressive and was briefly removed from the shop before returning with a large knife.

“He then lunged at a KFC worker cutting him on the cheek. Before the victim had a chance to get away the defendant thrust the knife into his stomach.

“This was an appalling display of violence which resulted in serious injuries to the victim. This case demonstrates how situations can escalate catastrophically when knives are involved, even from the most trivial disputes.

“Everyone has the right to live and work in the capital without fear of violence and this right was completely violated by the callous actions of this defendant.

“At CPS London we are committed to working with our policing partners to tackle this type of violent crime and make the capital a safer place.”

Following the attack the victim was treated for severe abdominal injuries.