February 24, 2024

Campaign Honours 21 Teenagers Lost to Knife Crime in 2023

Throughout the month of February, we’re telling the story of the 21 teenagers who were murdered in 2023. Our campaign, The 21, seeks to remember every victim as a young person with a family and their whole life ahead of them. We want to change the culture of kids carrying knives and becoming involved in violence.

Knife crime against young people can feel “never ending” to a man running a major anti-knife charity following a 16-year-old being stabbed to death.

But, he says there is a promising future in preventing such savage attacks despite many “dark days” last year.

The Ben Kinsella Trust was formed in 2008, months after Ben, 16, was killed in Islington when attacked unprovoked during his GCSE results celebration.

Ben had left the Shillibeers bar on North Road and was chased following a dispute among a large group which spilled into the streets.

He was stabbed several times on June 29, 2008, and died later at Whittington Hospital.

Patrick Green, the CEO of Ben Kinsella Trust (Image: Ben Kinsella Trust)

The trust was registered after Ben’s family, including his soap actress sister Brooke Kinsella who starred as Kelly Taylor in Eastenders, campaigned to stop knife crime.

Patrick Green, the CEO of the trust since 2016, said that the most damning youth knife statistic is that “this has never stopped”.

He continued: “There are some dark days when we hear of murders and you can lose confidence when confronted by this.

“From the young people we’ve worked with, which is the bit that keeps me going, I’m absolutely convinced – given the results of our workshop and what I’ve seen – is in terms of young people turning their lives around, this is absolutely solvable.”

Ben Kinsella (Image: Met Police)

However, Mr Green acknowledges that it is a “complex problem” and emphasises that the solution to prevent violence with blades cannot be quickly turned around.

He said: “It is too often portrayed as very simply all we need to do is put more police on the streets, lock people away for longer, create a deterrent in the justice system and that will address this problem.

“All of those things are important of course, but ultimately we have to tackle some of the underlying issues that are driving knife crime. There are traditional ones that have never been addressed – depravation, poverty, inequality, mental health provision for young people.

“But then there are merging ones which over the last five years have become more apparent. The role that social media plays.

“The crazy thing about this myth that ‘a knife protects you’, which has been around forever, from our perspective is getting stronger rather than weaker.

“It is reinforced through what is seen in social media. The challenge for us is there isn’t a strong counter narrative other than the work that we do.

“Yes politicians and police carry a heavy burden in tackling this issue and need to focus on that. We all have a role to play.

“We need to ensure that they feel safe and they know what is a myth and what positive actions they can take to stay safe.”

A look at the Ben Kinsella Trust exhibition (Image: Ben Kinsella Trust)

Out of 6,000 youths surveyed by the charity, those living in unsafe areas said they’re three times more likely to pick up a knife than those who do feel safe.

Mr Green theorised that some youngsters may hear of a stabbing in the area and therefore think “I must carry a knife to protect myself”.

“There is that kind of arms race,” he said.

Over the years Mr Green would encourage parents to check their children’s drawers for knives stowed away, but he says it’s often that kids are buying machetes or zombie knives online and parents should keep an eye on deliveries made.

He also added that while the narrative about knife attacks are boys and gang related violence, anyone can be targeted.

This was seen with 17-year-old Jodie Chesney who was sat on a picnic bench in Amy’s Park, Harold Hill, when she was stabbed and killed in 2019, or schoolgirl Elianne Andam, 15, who was attacked with a foot-long knife in Croydon in 2023.

A look at the Ben Kinsella Trust exhibition (Image: Ben Kinsella Trust)

“What we forget is that if you look through all the victims of knife crime, girls are affected too.

“It’s all the more shocking when these things happen to young people who got no connection with anything and get murdered as such, Ben was one of those people as well.”

Mr Green explained when the charity was formed, the intention was to see how they could “add value” to the sector rather than just copy what others are doing.

This resulted in the trust creating an “immersive experience exhibition” in 2011 with people directly affected by the crime, to help visitors walk in their shoes and understand what is happening and the consequences of such violence.

Now there are two centres in London and one in Nottingham drawing 6,000 youngsters a year to learn about the harsh reality of knife crime.

According to Mr..

Two Brothers Jailed for Cocaine Dealing

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Two brothers have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a large-scale cocaine operation. The drug bust occurred after officers intercepted a vehicle at a motorway service station, unearthing several kilos of the illicit substance.

On June 1 last year, officers stopped a Toyota C-HR being driven by Klevis Lika at Woodall Services, located on the M1 near Sheffield. What they discovered inside the vehicle was staggering: 22 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £660,000.

The investigation didn’t end there. A subsequent search of Lika’s home address revealed even more damning evidence. Alongside additional drugs, authorities found a substantial amount of cash. It was clear that this operation was far-reaching and well-organised.

Both brothers faced justice in Sheffield Crown Court on February 23. Klevis Lika, aged 28, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug. He received a 13-and-a-half-year sentence for his role in the drug trade.

His younger brother, Florin Lika, aged 23, also pleaded guilty to the same charge. He was handed a 9-year prison term for his involvement.

Speaking outside the court, Detective Chief Inspector Al Burns emphasised the importance of tackling organised crime. He stated, “This was a significant disruption of Class A drugs which were destined to be supplied in our communities. We welcome the sentences handed out today and are pleased that these two men have been put behind bars. Officers from the YHROCU will continue to target the organised criminals whose actions harm the communities of Yorkshire and the Humber.”

A startling crash in Southampton has left bystanders stunned as a car flipped over and another was severely damaged, leaving a trail of destruction on Burgoyne Road. Dramatic images captured the aftermath of the incident, showing debris scattered across the road and the overturned vehicle resting on its roof. According to eyewitness Kevin O’Connell, the […]

Water Supply Disruption Affects Homes near Canterbury and Thanet

Numerous homes in villages surrounding Canterbury and areas in Thanet have been plunged into water supply woes due to technical issues at Wingham Water Supply Works. Residents in Adisham, Ash, Aylesham, Bekesbourne, Bridge, Wingham, Ramsgate, and Monkton have reported experiencing a loss of water supply or low water pressure, attributing the problem to ongoing technical […]

Man Arrested in Bordesley Green After Failing to Attend Court

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In a dramatic turn of events, Farhat Ajaz, a 62-year-old resident of the Bordesley Green area in the Midlands, was apprehended after failing to appear in court to face charges related to a dangerous dog incident.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred in September last year, during which Ajaz was allegedly in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control. The specifics of the incident have not been disclosed, but authorities deemed it serious enough to warrant legal action.

Ajaz is now set to appear before the Birmingham Magistrates Court, where he faces three counts related to the incident.

Meanwhile, the dog involved in the case remains in secure kennels, awaiting further legal proceedings. Authorities are keen to ensure public safety and prevent any further incidents.

Motorists travelling on the M25 and M1 this weekend should anticipate overnight delays as a colossal piece of equipment, weighing 350 tonnes and stretching 50 meters (164 feet) in length, is transported to a power station. The mammoth load is set to journey from the Port of Tilbury in Essex to the Millbrook power station […]

Landslip Causes Major Disruption: Urgent Repairs Needed on Gillingham-Faversham Track

Train services between Gillingham and Faversham have been severely disrupted following a landslip in the Newington area, leaving passengers facing extensive delays and cancellations. The landslip, which occurred yesterday, prompted the closure of the line for four hours as authorities worked to assess and address the situation. Although a safety inspection allowed for a brief […]

Electrical Fault in Tumble Dryer Blamed for Blaze That Devastated Hampshire Pub

A beloved pub in Hampshire, The Osborne View, located in Hill Head near Fareham, was ravaged by a massive fire believed to have been sparked by an electrical fault in a tumble dryer, as confirmed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Emergency services responded to the scene in the early […]

Sir David Attenborough Returns as the Star of BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s ‘Mammals’

From Planet Earth to Wild Isles, Sir David Attenborough has been the legendary voice of many documentaries about nature, science and the human experience.

But now the British broadcaster is set to be the star of BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s Mammals.

Mammals are the “most successful animal group on earth,” found on every continent and in every ocean, explains the BBC.

They’ve evolved to master almost every habitat on our planet but the big question is, how?

What is Sir David Attenborough’s BBC Mammals about?

Two decades after Life of Mammals, Attenborough revisits this “extraordinary” group of animals in a major new series for the BBC, titled ‘Mammals’.

“Full of new, never-before-seen behaviours, this series offers fascinating insights into the most successful animal group in the world,” adds the BBC.

“From the tiny Etruscan shrew to the giant blue whale, Mammals will reveal the secrets of their success, and how their winning design, incredible adaptability, unrivalled intelligence and unique sociability have all contributed to their remarkable rise.

“By weight less than 6% of today’s mammals are wild animals and many species face extinction.

Sir David Attenborough originally presented Life of Mammals on the BBC 20 years ago (Image: Victoria Jones/PA)

“As well as giving viewers an exciting new perspective on a remarkable group of animals, the series will also highlight many of the problems faced by mammals in today’s rapidly changing world.”

The six episodes will explore different environments; Dark, Cold, Heat, Water, Forest and The New Wild – an episode that explores the “ingenious” ways mammals are adapting to a world dominated by humans, “arguably the most successful mammal of all”.

Each episode will run for 60 minutes and cover a range of mammals – from the miniature tenrecs of Madagascar to the humpback whales of the Indian ocean.

Roger Webb, executive producer commented: “Being mammals ourselves, the animals featured in the series and the stories told about them are instantly relatable.

Conclusion of Michael McDonagh’s Death Investigation at Camber Sands

Sussex Police Concludes Investigation into Michael McDonagh’s Death at Camber Sands Holiday Park
On August 6, 2022, the tragic incident involving Michael McDonagh at a holiday park on Lydd Road, Camber Sands, prompted Sussex Police to initiate a comprehensive investigation. After an extensive and detailed examination of the case, authorities have announced the completion of their inquiries. The Crown Prosecution Service, upon reviewing all evidence, has determined that no further legal actions will be pursued in this matter.
Throughout the investigation into McDonagh’s untimely death, Sussex Police have consistently kept the bereaved family in their thoughts. The force extends its deepest condolences to Michael McDonagh’s family, acknowledging the profound sorrow they face due to their loss.
Photo Credit UKNIP Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers said: “Since the morning of 6 August, 2022, a dedicated team has worked tirelessly to understand the events that led to Michael’s death.
“Seven people were arrested on suspicion of murder as part of this complex investigation. I can confirm all seven have now been released with no further action to be taken.
“The evidence gathered during this investigation will now be prepared for HM Coroner, as we look ahead to the inquest that will follow.
“I would once again like to express my sincere condolences to Michael’s family.”
Tribute paid to Murdered man as seventh person arrested in Camber Sands investigation Read more on www.Sussex.News

Day: February 24, 2024