Young Kory McCrimmon was stabbed and killed last year
A family devasted by a needless stabbing has met with first minister John Swinney, and cabinet secretary for justice Angela Constance to discuss tackling youth knife crime.
Sixteen-year-old Kory McCrimmon was killed last year after being stabbed in the heart at Greenfield Park in Glasgow's east end, following threats on social media.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow in May to culpable homicide while acting under provocation.
He was sentenced for a period of up to five years detention.
Now Kory’s family are calling for the issue of knife crime to be prioritised.
During the meeting, Swinney promised the family a follow-up meeting to look into the potential solutions in more detail.
The McCrimmon family said: “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.”
Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, added: “We welcome the 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 what is being done 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.”
