TOUGHER new guidelines for sentencing business operators convicted of selling blades to children are being backed by two families devastated by knife crime

Young mum Samantha Madgin was stabbed to death in Wallsend in 2007, and teenager Connor Brown’s life was tragically cut short on a night out in Sunderland City Centre in 2019.

Both families set up their own charities Samantha’s Legacy and The Connor Brown Trust to help raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives and to offer support to other victims of such crimes.

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National consultation on the sale of knives to people under 18 is currently underway and the families have shared their views.

It comes as Northumbria Police confirm they dealt with around 800 cases of knife-related violent incidents in a 12-month period - more than two a day.

Carly Barrett, Samantha’s sister from Samantha’s Legacy, said: “Retail stores should never sell knives or any bladed articles that could cause harm when the buyer is under-age.

“We think this campaign is vital to today's society as we see more and more victims of serious violent Crime.

“However, some retail stores, supermarkets etc should be provided with some basic training so they are able to identity those they believe are buying these knives to cause harm.”

Samantha’s mum Alison, Madgin, added: “It is not just about the age of those buying the knives but also identifying the people that could cause harm to others.

“We hope to see an increase in this law and see more support around this.

“Together we can all make a difference and help support this knife crime pandemic and ultimately save lives.”

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The Northern Echo: Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness, centre, with Simon and Tanya Brown Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness, centre, with Simon and Tanya Brown (Image: Northumbria Police)

Connor Brown’s mum Tanya Brown, who set up the Connor Brown Trust, said: “The team behind the Connor Brown Trust are guided by the strength of the community and it is the community we want to protect from knife crime.

“We need everyone to be aware of the dangers of young people carrying knives, so we need to address the sale of knives to these young people. 

“The message to all retailers is to think carefully as to whether you need to stock knives in general and who will be purchasing these knives, as well as what measures are in place to ensure knives are sold responsibly. Our youth today is our future tomorrow and we need to protect them.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has submitted her views as part of the national consultation.

She said: “The very idea that some young people, up and down the country, are choosing to arm themselves with knives is a concern to us all.

“It’s only right that we focus efforts on who is selling them and how this is being punished. How are blades ending up in the hands of children?

“Retailers must recognise their responsibility to help keep communities safe and the role they can play in taking knives and other weapons off our streets. The less knives out there in pockets, the more lives we save.

“Every police officer will tell you that knife crime is not a problem we can arrest our way out of. “Education plays such a crucial part in the fight against serious violence and the sale of these knives needs to also be a national priority.

“Clear guidance and tough punishments are much needed, particularly for larger retailers as evidence shows that it is these larger organisations who have been responsible for most sales.

“And so, I’ve welcomed the opportunity to respond to this consultation on behalf of the North East. “We’re one of the safest regions.

“And, thankfully, we have lower levels of knife crime than many comparative areas.

“But we have had our share of horrific cases - tragic reminders that knife crime is real and that we must do everything we can to fight this crime.”

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