Northumbria PCC Campaigns for an end to knife violence
It follows the conviction of 2 18 year olds, over the death of Newcastle schoolboy Gordon Gault
Enough is enough when it comes to knife crime...
That's the message from parents in the North East who've lost loved ones to blades.
Just yesterday 2 18 year olds - Carlos Neto and Lawson Natty - were convicted of the manslaughter of schoolboy Gordon Gault - who was slashed with a machete in a Newcastle park in 2022.
READ MORE: 2 Teens convicted of manslaughter over death of Newcastle schoolboy
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said:
“Knives impact everyone. Losing a child like this is the worst thing that could happen to any family and my heart goes out to Gordon’s family and others who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been forever changed as a result of violence.
“This has been a very challenging and complex investigation for everyone involved and my thanks go to our police officers and everyone who has worked hard on this difficult case.
“As a region we have been rocked by a series of heartbreaking deaths as a result of people carrying knives. Each tragedy reminds us how important all the anti-knife campaigning, diversion programmes and educational work we are doing is and this work won’t stop.
“We need everyone’s support to fight this crime though and so I urge parents, teachers, siblings, everyone - please have conversations about the consequences of knife crime - it’s more dangerous to carry a knife than it is not to. Knife crime has to stop.”
Following the conclusion of the trial, Gordon's mother Dionne Barrett said: "We as a family will never get over Gordon's death.
"To those who didn't know Gordon, he was a practical joker, always laughing and had a heart of gold.
"He cared for his family and friends so much. He was a big softy and loved his dog, Bruno.
"He was such a happy, loving young son who lit up the room with his energy.
"Life will simply never be the same without him.
"I want youngsters to understand the huge dangers of carrying knives.
"By carrying knives, you could not only ruin your life but that of your family and friends as well."
Anna Barker, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, said: "The violent confrontation at the centre of this case was as senseless as it was tragic.
"Whatever differences the parties involved aimed to settle, it is painfully clear that there have been no winners. As a result of their clash, a young boy is dead with two others now facing significant prison sentences."