Craig Hassall KC and Katherine Robinson take part in youth knife crime event

HMCTS have held a number of events this year aimed at reducing the number of young people who carry a knife.

Craig Hassall KC and Katherine Robinson took part in a mock sentencing event at Leeds Crown Court.

Craig Hassall KC and Katherine Robinson have been instructed in a number of high-profile cases involving fatal juvenile knife crime.

Further details are listed below that was posted on HMCTS intranet yesterday.

“It’s a choice whether to carry a knife”

Colleagues at Leeds Crown Court have held two successful events this year aimed at reducing the number of young people who carry a knife.

The first event took place in April and was part of “The Young Detective Course programme”, facilitated by West Yorkshire Police. Children aged 12 and 13 were selected by their school to take the week-long criminal investigation course, educating them on what happens when knives are used and the likelihood of a long prison sentence.

The children were presented with a knife crime scenario, where they experienced the scientific investigation and medical procedures following a stabbing. They then led interviews with the subject, before a mock sentencing involving members of the Bar, presided over by His Honour Judge Batty.

The children gained vital skills in teamwork and presenting, along with understanding what happens at an identification procedure. Those selected for the course are regarded as ambassadors and have shared the learnings with their respective schools.

The “No Knives, Safer Lives” event took place in June, showing young people the consequences of becoming involved with a gang who carry knives. Participants, who were aged between 13 and 17, had been identified as vulnerable to knife crime by the police, the local authority, and the Youth Justice Service.

Participants were given a virtual reality headset to view a scenario set in a park, where knifes had been used in a fight. This was followed by a mock trial where they met a trauma surgeon who displayed graphic images from a stabbing incident. Mr Jason Pitter KC, leader of the North Eastern Circuit, addressed the participants explaining the consequences of becoming involved with knife crime from a legal perspective.

They then heard from a mother whose son was fatally stabbed at the Manchester Carnival in August 2022. She spoke about the early years of her son’s life up to the point of his death, and the consequences of this for her and her family.

The day ended with two speakers from the St Giles Trust in Leeds, who support people in poverty that have come into contact with the criminal justice system. As reformed criminals themselves, they shared the message that there is a choice as to whether they become involved in a gang and a choice as to whether they carry a knife. If they chose to become involved, then they may well end up in prison.

 

The event saw an attendance of 60 people and was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who was involved in both the events.

 

These events are crucial in deterring young people from knife crime, ensuring they have the education and support to make better choices.

 

Contact the criminal clerks

Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202

Gina Hawkins on 0113 213 5205

Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203

Hannah Dempsey on 0113 213 5211

Lucy Finney on 0113 213 5220