Kolton Johnston remains in the community after stabbing 18yo at Murwillumbah shopping centre

In a random act of violence, a “delusional” teenager stabbed an 18 year old at a popular North Coast shopping centre while intoxicated and on Xanax. Now he remains in the community.

Kolton J Johnston (right) and his stepfather (left) leaving Lismore Court House.

A “delusional” Tweed Heads teenager stabbed an 18 year old at Sunnyside Mall, Murwillumbah, in an unprovoked attack fueled by alcohol and Xanax.

Kolton J Johnston fronted Lismore District Court on Monday after he had previously pleaded guilty to reckless wounding. He escaped a full-time jail sentence and was given a 22-month intensive correction order in the community.

The court heard the 20 year old, then 19, began yelling at a group of people, telling them he would “smash them” for “no reason” about 6.30pm at Sunnyside Mall, Murwillumbah on September 7 last year.

Kolton J Johnston (right) was supported in court by his stepfather (left).

The victim had not been yelling but Johnston told the teenager he “would get him” as he charged at him with the knife, missed him and then charged again, stabbing him in the chest, the court heard.

Johnston fled the area leaving the Queensland victim behind with a 2cm length stab wound.

The outside of Sunnyside Mall, Murwillumbah. Picture: File

At court, police prosecutor Karen Vaughan said this would have been “a terrifying event” for the victim and witnesses.

There was “paranoid activity” and a need for the court to deter these types of crimes which happen in public where people are entitled to feel safe, Ms Vaughan said.

Johnston’s barrister Sophie Anderson said her client had no criminal history, has received drug and alcohol counselling and rarely drinks alcohol since offending - only consuming two cans of wild turkey bourbon three weeks ago.

Kolton J Johnston was sentenced to a 22-month intensive correction order. Picture: iStock

“Johnston has not used Xanax since the offence,” she said.

Ms Anderson said Johnston has employment available at the Newcastle coal mines and he has been obeying bail conditions.

Judge Jonathan Priestley said during the attack Johnston was “scared”, “delusional” and thought “everyone was out to get him”.

Mr Priestley said Johnston experienced a relationship breakdown, was intoxicated and on Xanax.

“It may have been an impulsive act, but it could have also been the offender waiting for the opportunity to carry out a random act of violence,” Mr Priestley said.

The victim was having a weekend out with friends when he was stabbed and Johnston had spent two days in custody after the offending, Mr Priestley said.

Mr Priestley said Johnston grew up in a violent household, suffered from social anxiety and depression and expressed “shock” and “disgust” at his behaviour.