Month-long campaign to raise awareness of knife crime after Bodmin stabbing

The family of Michael Riddiough-Allen, who was killed outside a nightclub in Bodmin one year ago, have launched MIKES May

Tributes laid for Michael Riddiough-Allen last year
Author: Megan PricePublished 1st May 2024

The family of a man from Liskeard who was stabbed to death one year ago are spending the month fundraising and raising awareness of knife crime in his memory.

32-year-old Michael Riddiough-Allen was killed outside Eclipse Nightclub in Bodmin on the 30th of April last year while out with a group of rugby players to celebrate the end of the rugby season.

Several others also required hospital treatment for injuries.

Since the fatal incident, Michael's family have set up MIKES Trust to prevent events like that night happening again. This month, a campaign will take place in Michael's name and events will be hosted to 'Strive for a Blade Free Bodmin'.

Becky Dustan, Mike's eldest sister, said: "We have started working with different youth organisations in Bodmin. Finding ways we can support them so they can support the young people in Bodmin to give them new and better opportunities in Bodmin.

"Finding things to do and new passions rather than floating through life and maybe being taken the wrong way."

Alicia Puckey, Mike's youngest sister, said: "There's so many things in the pipeline that are going to be coming up over the year because without fundraising we can't invest that money into the youth groups and we need to invest that money into our youths, to help them have a better life, to show them what good should be so they can make better choices."

The family of Michael Riddiough-Allen, wrote on their website: "Michael was not only a much loved family member, he was also a larger than life character amongst the rugby fraternity, his fellow car enthusiasts and a huge group of friends.

"All have been left bereft that such a happy, kind, generous and loving man has been so cruelly taken from us. The hole he has left in all those than knew him is huge and is a testament to generosity of spirit Michael gave to all the lives that he touched."

Tributes laid outside Bodmin rugby club at the time

25-year-old Jake Hill, of Jubilee Terrace, Bodmin, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years for murder and four counts of wounding with intent.

22-year-old Tia Taylor, of Northey Road, was given three years for manslaughter and perverting the course of justice.

22-year-old Chelsea Powell, of Granny's Green, was sentenced to 15 months for perverting the course of justice - she will have to serve half before being released on licence.

You can find more about MIKES Trust here.

Read more:

Friends and family gather at vigil to remember Michael Riddiough-Allen

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