Latest news with #ParentsAgainstKnives
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Kory McCrimmon's family meet John Swinney to discuss efforts tackling youth knife crime
"The main purpose of this meeting was to do everything possible so that Kory's death was not in vain." The First Minister has met with the family of a teenager killed by a gang rival in Glasgow to discuss youth knife crime in Scotland. 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 threads over social media. The youth was convicted of culpable homicide and was sentenced to five years' detention in May. Kory's death was followed by two further knife tragedies just less than 12 months later. Amen Teklay, 15, died after he was found seriously injured on a street in Glasgow's Maryhill on March 5. Three teenage boys, aged 14, 15, and 16, were arrested and charged in connection. Just weeks later, 16-year-old Kayden Moy died following a disturbance at Irvine Beach in Ayrshire on May 17. Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have since appeared in court charged with his murder. All three tragedies have taken place amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which has repeatedly called on the Scottish Government to invest in children to keep them safe from harm. Our Kids ... Our Future was launched over two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. 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. It was requested by the McCrimmon family after they organised a ' Parents Against Knives ' march in Glasgow last month. Around 200 people turned up for the event, which left from outside Rangers' Ibrox Stadium and ended at Celtic's home ground, Celtic Park. 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. 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.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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.'
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
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scots school violence epidemic laid bare as guns, knives and razor blades seized from kids
It comes amid a shocking rise in violence amongst youngsters CLASS WARS Scots school violence epidemic laid bare as guns, knives and razor blades seized from kids Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WEAPONS including guns and razor blades have been seized from kids in schools, it has emerged. Pupils in Aberdeen have been caught with more than 40 potentially deadly items on their person, including knives, BB guns, and multi-tools. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Amen Teklay was found with fatal injuries on Clarendon Street, Glasgow Credit: PA 5 Kayden Moy died following reports of a disturbance at a beach in Ayrshire Credit: PA 5 Scots schoolboy Kory McCrimmon was brutally stabbed to death in Glasgow Credit: Collect The alarming new figures come amid concerns about a rise in school violence and weapons seizures across Scotland. They were recorded since the start of 2024 and also show that 24 of the 43 confiscations took place at primary schools, with a butterfly training knife, pocket knife and a Stanley knife among the weapons found. And around half of all items seized involved knives, with lunch hall cutlery, scissors, corkscrew, sharpened sticks, nitrous oxide cannister, potato peeler, bottle opener, and a razor blade also discovered. In April, a 12-year-old girl was injured in an alleged knife attack at Aberdeen's Hazlehead Academy. The child was rushed to hospital for treatment and a 14-year-old girl was later charged. Knife crime has allegedly been linked to the recent deaths of schoolboy Amen Teklay, 15, East Kilbride lad Kayden Moy, 16, and Kory McCrimmon, 16, who was fatally stabbed in a Glasgow park. Last month, Parents Against Knives, founded by Kory's heartbroken family, led a march against blade violence. Despite horrendous conditions, Kory's family were undeterred in sending a message to Scotland's justice minister - and called for hope to be returned to the streets. The heavens opened as their Parents Against Knives procession kicked off after the youngster's dad Neil, 57, and mum Elizabeth, 44, were greeted by Rangers legend Mark Hateley at Ibrox before walking four miles to Celtic Park. The couple released a blue love-heart balloon with the words, 'love mum and dad' into the sky . They then unfurled a large banner emblazoned with their darling boy's picture and the words 'Parents Against Knives, Save Our Children'. The marchers carried on through the sodden streets to Celtic's ground, which sits right next to their home in the Barrowfield area of the city. Scottish Tory shadow justice secretary and North East MSP, Liam Kerr, said: 'The high number of weapons being brought into schools across Aberdeen is frightening. 'These appalling figures highlight the epidemic of violence in schools – and the woeful level of government support being given to tackle this weapon-carrying culture.' 5 Parents Against Knives walk from the Ibrox stadium to Parkhead in Glasgow Credit: PA
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Daily Record
Glasgow council hold emergency meeting on youth violence amid deaths of three teens
City leader Susan Aitken said the recent deaths of teenagers showed there was a growing problem with youth violence in Scotland. Glasgow's council leader has described the tragic deaths of three teenagers due to knife crime as 'a warning sign' in an emergency meeting on youth violence. The issue was brought before the full council after a powerful march on Sunday by the family of Kory McCrimmon, 16, who died after being attacked with a blade in Greenfield Park on May 31. His grieving parents, leading the Parents Against Knives campaign, told the country "enough is enough" and demanded action from leaders in Holyrood. City leader Susan Aitken said his death, and the recent deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy showed there was a growing problem with youth violence in Scotland. She said: 'We should take the opportunity to ask what we do collectively that matches the necessity of the moment and whether it is enough. 'Lets not forget that our city centre, our streets and our communities belong to our young people. 'If some of our young people are being drawn into violence by anti-social behaviou r that negatively affects them and the wider public then that's a problem and we need to address it. 'If other young folk are so fearful of being affected by violence that they themselves need to carry blades, that's a cycle we need to break.' Scotland has been rocked by three blade tragedies in less than 12 months. Amen, an Eritrean refugee, was found seriously injured in Maryhill on March 5. Kayden died after an incident at Irvine Beach on May 17. Teen boys have been charged in connection with both deaths. Just last month, a 14-year-old boy was sentenced to five years for the culpable homicide of Kory. The tragedies have taken place amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which was launched two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. Councillors on Thursday backed a motion to urgently explore new solutions stressing that families must be part of the response amid growing safety concerns. SNP councillor Laura Doherty warned: "We must take a balanced view. While recent events have rightly drawn attention, the broader picture is more complex. "The truth is today young people are growing up in a very different world. "The pandemic causes disruption to learning, social development and mental well-being. We are now seeing some of the long term effects of that destruction.' Kory's aunt Jackie said Sunday's march sent a clear message: 'We've had enough. We need to see change now.' The family are calling for a meeting with John Swinney and Justice Scretary Angela Constance. Labour councillor Kevin Lalley added: "Many young people have a future to look forward to but with the recent violence these [children] have no future. We must all get involved to ensure tragedies that affect many families can be averted.' The council instructed the chief executive to involve young people in shaping new anti-violence strategies. The Record's Our kids... Our Future campaign was launched in February 2023 after we highlighted a worrying trend of violence amongst teens. Our campaign has called on the Scottish Government to invest in youth clubs and other ways to help young people. The Scottish Government recently announced an £82,000 boost for the Violence Reduction Unit, following pressure from campaigners. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
