Workshops contribute to policy on knife crime

The parents of Thomas were invited to participate in a summit on knife crime on 18 September 2006 organised by the Northern Ireland Office held in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast.

The attendees included representatives from all organisations involved with young people including schools, youth organisations, Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner's Office, local government,PSNI,Probation Service, teacher unions, and other interested groups.

The Minister for Criminal Justice, David Hanson opened the proceedings. Jim Davidson from the Scottish Executive addressed the group on the issues facing Scotland with their growing knife culture which is considerably worse than in Northern Ireland.

The NIO will consider the proposals made by the workshop sessions as part of their deliberations to deal with the growing knife culture in Northern Ireland. North Belfast was identified as one of the locations with the highest incience of reported knife crime.

Penny and Jim, Thomas's Mum and Dad, who are supporting the campaign for the disposal of knives, were invited to the launch which was held on the 24 May 2006.

Three posters have been designed highlighting the dangers of carrying knives and are part of the year long campaign as well as an advertisement which will be shown in cinemas.

Special bins have been placed in amenity sites in all local Council areas throughout Northern Ireland for the safe disposal of knives

Jim and Penny met with David Hanson,the Minister for Criminal Justice,on Monday 8 May 2006. There was a productive and positive discussion on a range of issues relating to the investigation of Thomas's murder and aspects of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. The Minister has promised to examine the issues raised and make his response in due course.