Luke Miller's father in knife warning after son’s death

Martin Miller said “life is just not the same” following the death of his son Luke in Tadcaster on Boxing Day last year.

He spoke to The Press after a jury at Leeds Crown Court found a man not guilty of murdering Luke in July.

Mr Miller – speaking from his home in Church Fenton alongside his wife and Luke’s mother, Donna – said “not a moment goes by in a day” when he does not think of his son.

Martin and Donna Miller (Image: Newsquest) “He’s in my thoughts before I go to sleep, and he’s in my thoughts every time I wake up,” he said. “The day we lost him is the day that myself and Donna both died inside.

“It’s like one massive switch just getting switched off. And it’s hard to put into words that loss.”

Mr Miller said Luke was their only child, adding: “We’ll never have grandchildren.”

Luke Miller who died aged 23 (Image: Family) The 58-year-old retired businessman described his son – a former Tadcaster Grammar School pupil – as “a very loving child throughout all his life. He was happy; you never saw him miserable”.

“He just loved playing games and enjoying himself – any sport and activity.

“As a teenager and a young man, he had that zest for life – he loved to go out, drinking and partying like most young men do, and having fun.

Donna and Luke Miller in happier times (Image: Family)

“He never got into any trouble, and all his friends said the same: that he was a fun-loving individual.”

Before his death, Luke worked as an industrial fencer and would travel around the country installing fencing around facilities like power stations.

'Every parent’s worst nightmare'

Mr Miller described hearing of his son’s death as “horrendous”.

“It’s unimaginable,” he said. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.”

North Yorkshire Police, in December, said a post-mortem revealed that Luke died following a stab wound to the chest.

Mr Miller said North Yorkshire is not known for knife crime, explaining: “I’ve not heard of any [incidents] reported.

“Tadcaster, itself, is a nice place. And where Luke grew up [Bolton Percy] is a lovely place.”

Luke Miller (Image: Family) He urged anyone considering carrying a knife to think again.

“It’s not just the taking of another life, it’s the actual devastation and ripple effect that you’re causing to the family,” Mr Miller said. “People’s lives will never be the same, never, ever again.”

Mr Miller’s words come as Sir Keir Starmer promised tougher action on knife crime earlier this month (September).

He said his message to the government is: “Step up the punishment for knife crime, make it more severe.”