Knife Crime in the UK is continuing to rise. It seems there is a growing subculture amongst the youth, in which carrying a knife is seen as part of ‘norm’. This often resulting in the knifes being used and injuries sustained and at worst fatalities.
Last week Elijah Dayoni aged 16 was convicted of murdering 14 year old David Idowu last June. Dayoni was ordered by Judge Justice Calvert-Smith to serve life imprisonment, with a minimum of 12 years to be served. The court heard how David Idowu was brutally stabbed in the heart by Dayoni whilst he was out playing football at his local park. David was found collapsed on the street by passers-by who helped as much as they could to keep the young boy alive. David was taken to the Royal London Hospital however; he never recovered from his injury and the fatal stabbing to his heart.
There were more than 20 teenage fatalities as a result of knife crime last year. Statistics show young people between the ages of 12 and 20 are more likely to be involved in knife crime either as an offender or a victim. If found in the possession of a knife without an appropriate reason offenders can face up to 4 years in prison. A website set up by the Metropolitan Police aimed at tackling knife crime offers help and support to young people as well as trying to combat the growing problem : www.droptheweapons.org
The government are currently investigating new ways in which they could tackle knife crime and are considering the implementing metal detectors in schools as well as providing teachers with more powers to combat students with behavioural problems. However, it is considered by many particularly ones that work closely with in this area day in day out that the problem of knife crime is embedded within the our society, born out of poverty and the increasing gap between the rich and the poor within the country as well as a breakdown in discipline and family within the home which has been seen over the last few decades.
Victims of knife crime are able in some circumstances to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) certain rules apply when applying for a CICA claim and a full application from as well as guide as to how to apply can be found on their website www.cica.gov.uk