Latest news with #KoryMcCrimmon
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Glasgow Times
First Minister meets with family of Glasgow teen killed in stabbing
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. READ NEXT: Family of Kory McCrimmon hope his memory 'will help to provide a safer future' (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." READ NEXT: Boy, 14, who admitted killing fellow teen at Glasgow park sentenced 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
Glasgow Times
22-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Family of murdered teen in Glasgow meet FM to tackle youth knife crime
Kory McCrimmon died after he was stabbed following a confrontation in Greenfield Park in Glasgow's East End on May 31 last year. First Minister, John Swinney, and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, will meet with Kory's family this Wednesday, July 23. The meeting was requested by the McCrimmon family as a chance to talk about what can be done to tackle the issue of knife crime, especially amongst young people, and what preventative measures can be put in place. This follows the family organising a 'Parents Against Knives' walk in Glasgow last month. Family of murdered teen in Glasgow meet to tackle youth knife crime (Image: Robert Perry) READ MORE: 'Parents Against Knives' march takes place through Glasgow To commemorate the first anniversary of the 16-year-old's death, his loved ones planned a peaceful walk, which took place on Sunday, June 22. Speaking ahead of the event, 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'. About 200 people turned out for the walk, which left from outside Rangers' Ibrox Stadium and ended at Celtic's home ground, [[Celtic]] Park. They joined Kory's parents, Neil and Elizabeth McCrimmon, and his brother as they braved the pouring rain. We previously reported that a 14-year-old boy who admitted killing Kory following a dispute over £50 was sentenced to five years' detention. Kory McCrimmon (Image: Police Scotland) READ MORE: Boy, 14, who admitted killing Kory McCrimmon in Glasgow sentenced After the sentencing, The Scottish Sun reported how Kory's parents, Neil and Elizabeth, hit out over the lack of justice they felt. Speaking with the newspaper, Neil, 57, said: 'Five years for taking our son's life? It's disgusting. What message does this give to all the young lads running crazy, carrying knives around Glasgow and surrounding areas? 'They'll just think they can do whatever they want.' Heartbroken mum Elizabeth, 44, also slammed the 'mind-boggling' punishment. She said: 'He'll probably be out before he's 18. It's a joke. I'm fuming.' Elizabeth McCrimmon, the mother of Kory, at Ibrox stadium in Glasgow before people take part in a Parents Against Knives walk from the Ibrox stadium to Parkhead in Glasgow. (Image: Robert Perry) READ MORE: Parents of Kory McCrimmon 'fuming' over killer's sentence Victim Support Scotland Chief Executive Kate Wallace. (Image: Julie Broadfoot) Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, commented: "Knife crime continues to devastate too many lives across Scotland. "Behind every statistic lies a painful reality — countless individuals, families, friends, classmates, and entire communities are left to deal with the lasting and often tragic impact. "The McCrimmon family is calling for a thoughtful and coordinated response to address the issue of knife crime and prevent it from happening in the first place. "Joint action is needed across the board - from Scottish Government, police, social workers, youth services, victim support organisations – with agencies working together to confront the root causes of knife crime. 'We look forward to hearing the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary's responses to the family's questions and urge them to carefully listen to their concerns and suggestions that may help prevent more lives being senselessly lost. "Our Support for Families Bereaved by Crime team sees first-hand the lasting trauma caused by knife crime on the families and loved ones left behind. "If you or someone you know has been affected by knife crime, or any other type of crime, please know that help is available. "Reach out to us through our helpline or visit our website to find out how we can support you."
STV News
22-07-2025
- STV News
Family of teen stabbed in park to discuss knife crime with First Minister
The family of a teenager killed in a stabbing at a park in Glasgow is to discuss knife crime with the First Minister. Kory McCrimmon, 16, was stabbed in the heart after a confrontation in Greenfield Park in the city's East End on May 31. The pair had earlier exchanged threats on social media in a dispute over £50. A 14-year-old was sentenced to five years' detention in May after admitting culpable homicide. In the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents in recent months, the McCrimmon family organised the Parents Against Knives march. Around 200 people participated in the event, which started outside Ibrox Stadium and ended at Celtic Park. At the time, his father, Neil McCrimmon, said: 'This is our children we're talking about, and this is where Mr Swinney needs to make changes.' Police Scotland The family will now meet the First Minister and cabinet secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, on Wednesday to discuss knife crime, especially among young people, and what preventative measures can be taken. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: 'The McCrimmon family is calling for a thoughtful and coordinated response to address the issue of knife crime and prevent it from happening in the first place. Joint action is needed across the board – from Scottish Government, police, social workers, youth services, victim support organisations – with agencies working together to confront the root causes of knife crime. 'We look forward to hearing the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary's responses to the family's questions and urge them to carefully listen to their concerns and suggestions that may help prevent more lives being senselessly lost.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Youth violence branded 'public health emergency' as Scots campaigners urge authorities to cut knife deaths
East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch and Community Impact Project have stepped up their fight for urgent action on the country's knife crime and youth violence epidemic. Anti-knife crime campaigners have challenged authorities to act now to save young lives branding youth violence a "public health emergency". East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch and Community Impact Project have petitioned South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland to urgently address the rise in knife crime and youth violence in East Kilbride following the tragic death of local 16-year-old Kayden Moy at Irvine Beach. More than 1900 people have signed the petition and an anti-knife crime march in Glasgow last month in memory of Kayden Moy and Scots knife crime victims Kory McCrimmon and Amen Teklay stepped up their fight for urgent action on the country's knife crime and youth violence epidemic. But chairman KJ Yates told Lanarkshire Live the group are becoming "increasingly frustrating" and "disappointed" that Police Scotland and First Minister John Swinney have yet to respond to their calls for action. "It is becoming increasingly frustrating - and frankly disappointing - that key stakeholders have yet to respond to our petition", he said. 'We have consistently called knife crime and youth violence a Public Health Emergency - and today, we reaffirm that call. This crisis is destroying lives, traumatising families, and putting a generation at risk. " We welcome the cross-party support of Joani Reid MP and Collette Stevenson MSP, but now urge South Lanarkshire Council, Police Scotland, local councillors, charities and community groups to step up." Figures gathered by the pressure group show that in South Lanarkshire violent crime has risen by 21 per cent in recent years with youth-related violence and knife possession increasingly Glasgow, knife crime rose by 13 per cent between 2022 and 2024 and almost one third of all stop searches for weapons now involve Scotland last year 91 children were caught carrying knives - some as young as 10 - and there was a 600 per cent rise in serious youth assaults with Police Scotland seizing 248 knives from schools. Joani Reid, Scottish Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, described social media as a "breeding ground for youth violence" and said she would make knife crime a focus of her campaigning and constituency work over the summer. She called on ministers to "get tough" with social media companies who allow teens to pose with dangerous weapons while highlighting the tragic death of Kayden Moy at Home Office questions earlier this month. Mr Yates added: "We also call on the First Minister to consider using Scotland's existing public health emergency powers and direct his ministers to coordinate a national, trauma-informed response. "This is for Kayden Moy, Kory McCrimmon, and Amen Teklay - it's also about every young person across Scotland presently at risk who deserves to grow up safe, seen, and supported. It's time to step up, take action and save lives." Kayden Moy was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire on May 17, and later died at Crosshouse Hospital. He was laid to rest just five days after what would have been his 17th birthday. Three teenagers have been arrested following Kayden's death. Two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old have appeared in court charged with murder. Mr Yates continued: "Kayden Moy, a promising 16-year-old from East Kilbride -his life full of talent, dreams and potential - was cut short. His family was devastated. "Kayden wasn't just a name in the news, he was part of our community. Sadly, Kayden is not the only one." Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson said tackling the harmful effects of violent crime remains a priority for police in Scotland. "Violence in any form and the possession of weapons in our communities has no place in Scotland and is entirely unacceptable", said Ch Supt Watson. "We understand concerns in relation to the tragic death of Kayden Moy, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends. We know that this has had a devastating impact, not only on his loved ones, but also the wider community in East Kilbride and beyond. "Our local officers, school campus officers and dedicated preventions officers continue to respond to the concerns raised by the community in respect of knife crime. This includes providing educational workshops to high school and late primary school pupils, highlighting the dangers of carrying a weapon and the devastating impact it can have on those involved." She added: "We continue to deliver our 'No Knives, Better Lives' workshops, and are engaging with youth groups in the East Kilbride area to encourage our young people to make better choices. "We are carrying out work with key partners in the YMCA and the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and have recently launched a survey aimed at youths in the area to gather their views on knife crime and what measures can be implemented in response, as part of a collaborative approach. "Tackling the harmful effects of violent crime remains a priority for our officers and we are determined to keep our communities safe." South Lanarkshire Council have offered their support to the campaign. A spokesperson said: 'This has been a tragic event and our profound sympathies go out to Kayden's loved ones. 'We would be willing to engage with East Kilbride Community Association & Neighbourhood Watch and other partners about the potential for council involvement in any efforts to tackle knife crime.' The Scottish Government said it is investing over £500,000 in violence prevention programmes for 2025/26, including £345,000 for Medics Against Violence's Hospital Navigator programme and £156,000 for Mentors in Violence Prevention to ensure early intervention and prevention. They added that this is in addition to "record" police investment of £1.64 billion this year - up almost £90 million - and follows £48 million awarded to victims' organisations since 2022, including £18 million to Victim Support Scotland. A spokesman said: 'We send our heartfelt condolences to Kayden Moy's family and every family who has suffered unimaginable loss due to knife crime. 'The Scottish Government has been clear that no one should ever carry a weapon and we are taking action with increased funding for the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit as part of a broader package to tackle violence." Sign the petition here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Glasgow Times
01-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Mission to crack down on youth crime amid Scottish tragedies
Operation Ballaton, a multi-agency effort to reduce anti-social behaviour, violence and criminal activity, has relaunched in a bid to keep youngsters safe in light of recent incidents across the west of Scotland. The deaths of Kory McCrimmon, 16, Amen Teklay, 15, and Kayden Moy, 16, have prompted concern over the welfare of young people and the apparent prominence of knife crime over recent months. (From left to right) Amen Teklay, Kory McCrimmon, and Kaydern Moy. (Image: Supplied) Local Area Inspector Colin Cameron says they are using every tool at their disposal to prevent and take action when criminal activity occurs. He said: "We understand that recent incidents involving serious violence among young people in other parts of Scotland have caused concern. While reported incidents of violent crime remain at historically low levels, we are not complacent. "Through Operation Ballaton, we will continue to focus our resources where they are most needed, working closely with partners to address any issues that arise and to ensure the public can feel confident and safe in this area." Kory, 16, was killed in May last year when he was stabbed in the heart in Greenfield Park in Glasgow's East End. A 14-year-old was jailed for five years for the killing. Amen Teklay died in March after he was found seriously injured in Clarendon Street in Maryhill. Three teenagers, aged 13, 14, and 15, have been charged in connection with his death Kayden Moy, 16, died after a disturbance at Irvine Beach last month. Two 17-year-olds have been charged with his murder. Inspector Cameron continued: "Officers will be on high-visibility patrol throughout the summer, supported by our partners, and anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence or criminal activity will be dealt with firmly and proportionately. "We are clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will use every tool available to prevent it and take action when necessary." (Image: Newsquest) The joint forces working in Loch Lomond this summer include Police Scotland, British Transport Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Councils, ScotRail, and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority. A weekly meeting between the forces offers opportunities to engage in joint discussions on how to spread their resources across the large area of Loch Lomond and Balloch. Each partner is to play their part in ensuring all organisations are ahead of any potentially criminal behaviour. For example, ScotRail has a communication link with Police Scotland and will give the force a heads up if they have a train at capacity headed to Balloch. This allows them time to deploy officers at the station ahead of their arrival to issue advice to those heading for the national park. Loch Lomond Ranger, Leigh Hamilton, says the joint partnership has made it easier for them to enforce bylaws, including alcohol bans and ensure safe use of the water. She said: "It's essential on a busy weekend like this that we can have a combined approach. "We can enforce the Loch Lomond byelaws, the camping management byelaws, if they are in the area. We are the eyes and ears for the police as well when we are working together. "Sometimes we don't always get compliance, and we need the police to support, so it's a two-way street. "Having the resource of Ballaton, to see where our partners are, is crucial to having a combined approach." In light of recent fire-raising, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says their involvement is aimed at preventing the likes of the rugby pitch-sized fire in the national park in August. The barbecue was found with a burger still on top. (Image: SWT) A wildfire after a disposable barbeque caused a blaze around the size of two rugby pitches in the Trossachs. (Image: SWT) With police involvement, they aim to crack down on the irresponsible use of disposable BBQs. Chris Spence, SFRS watch commander, said: "We always work with our communities to explain the risks of fire, but it's important to stress that deliberate fire-setting is a crime and can have a serious impact on local communities. "People who set fires need to be aware that getting involved in this type of behaviour can have a big impact on their future. "Once you light that match, you have no control or way of knowing what happens next. "Not only are you risking damage to property and wildlife, you're putting yourself and others in danger. It's just not worth it."
