First Minister meets with family of Glasgow teen killed in stabbing

Glasgow Times

3 days ago

John Swinney promised Kory McCrimmon's family a follow-up meeting to discuss ways to solve youth knife crime in Scotland.
The 16-year-old was stabbed in the heart at Greenfield Park in the city's East End in May last year following a feud with a member of a rival gang.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that the pair had fallen out over £50 which led to an argument and threats over social media.
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(Image: Police Scotland) The killer, who was 13 at the time, was sentenced in May to five years after being found guilty of culpable homicide while acting under provocation.
On Wednesday, the First Minister and Justice Secretary Angela Constance met with the teenager's family to discuss youth knife crime.
The McCrimmon family called for the meeting to ask the First Minister what could be done to tackle the issue of knife crime, especially amongst young people, and what preventative measures could be put in place.
During the meeting, the First Minister promised the family, who were joined by Victim Support Scotland, a follow-up meeting to look into the potential solutions in more detail.
READ NEXT: Family of Kory McCrimmon to meet First Minister in bid to tackle youth knife crime
(Image: Robert Perry) The family said in a statement: "The main purpose of this meeting was to do everything possible so that Kory's death was not in vain.
"We really appreciated the chance to meet with the First Minister and Justice Secretary yesterday to talk about their plans to tackle youth knife crime.
"They really listened to our concerns and ideas, and the First Minister suggested having another meeting soon to look at possible solutions in more detail.
"We will hold the First Minister to this promise and to hearing in more detail about what the Scottish Government plans to do to stop more needless deaths caused by knife crime.
"Lasting positive change is our goal."
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The First Minister said: "The Justice Secretary and I were extremely grateful to Kory McCrimmon's family for meeting us yesterday.
"I offered my heartfelt condolences for the unimaginable loss they suffered – losing a child in that way is utterly heartbreaking.
"We listened carefully to their concerns and suggestions for ways to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
"We agreed with the family that there is absolutely no justification for carrying any weapon, including knives, at anytime, anywhere – and we must be relentless in that message.
"We also agreed about the importance of prevention and early intervention through education and effective consequences in place for those who believe they can commit violence including knife crime.
"I look forward to meeting again with the family to continue our discussions."
Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, added: "We welcome the First Minister's commitment to a follow-up meeting with the McCrimmon family.
"This will be vital for solidifying the Scottish Government's commitment to addressing knife crime, especially amongst young people.
"The McCrimmon family took the opportunity yesterday to question the First Minister and Justice Secretary about this issue and what they are doing to stop more preventable deaths.
"We look forward to a swift response from the First Minister in regards to a follow-up meeting with the family.
"It is crucial that action focuses on a joined-up approach to preventing young people from being involved with this type of crime in the first place.
"Everyone has a right to feel safe in their communities.
"We will continue to advocate on the McCrimmon family's behalf, and on behalf of everyone impacted by knife crime in Scotland."
Last month, Kory's family planned a 'Parents Against Knives' to commemorate the first anniversary of his death.
Speaking ahead of the event on Sunday, June 22 Kory's big brother Jamie told crowds that his sibling's absence is a 'senseless burden that his family have to carry for the rest of their lives'.
The walk began at Ibrox Stadium in the city's Southside shortly after 1.30pm.
Hundreds of people joined Kory's parents, Neil and Elizabeth McCrimmon, and his brother as they braved the pouring rain.
Attendees wore t-shirts with a picture of the teenager and held banners as they made the six-mile journey to Celtic Park in the East End.
The walk was organised to help raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and to remember all those who have been lost to knife crime.
Anyone who has been affected by knife crime or any other type of crime can contact the Victim Support Scotland helpline on 0800 160 1985 or visit victimsupport.scot.