Teenager, aged 16 knifed another teenager on the top deck of a bus in Birmingham City Centre because he would not shake hands.
The victim was stabbed in the arm and back during the repulsive attack on the Number 14 bus as it travelled towards Alum Rock.
The wounded youngster bolted and flagged down a Good Samaritan who drove the boy to Heartlands Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.
The victim was hauled down the walkway of the bus before being stabbed.
The defendant, who is studying for his GCSE’s, was sentences to a two-year youth rehabilitation order which includes six months’ strict supervision with intense surveillance and an electronic tag and curfew.
He previously pleaded guilty to the stabbing and for carrying an offensive weapon at an earlier hearing.
Watching CCTV of the event, Judge Goodchild told the teen he was fortunate to have evaded a prison sentence.
He said: “I’m dealing with you as a juvenile, you have been saved by your age. If you had been 17 you would be going off to detention for two years.
“Before the knife appears it appears that this is a straight forward fight between two youngsters.
“The problem with carrying knives – if you’ve got a knife then it gets used.
“You’re lucky, and he is to an extent… these are serious injuries.
“A few inches one way or another and you could be standing up here for murder.
“A passing Good Samaritan gave a lift to the boy and as a result had treatment very quickly.
“Though I wonder whether he will ever get go on the top deck of a bus ever again.”
The defendant was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15.
