Anti-knife crime definition - scabbard n. A sheath for the UK and world, as for a dagger or sword or bayonet. tr.v. , -barded , -barding , -bards . To put into or furnish with such a sheath.
REMEMBRANCE Sunday is this weekend. As well as armed conflict there have been, as many know, thousands killed on UK streets and homes by acts of illegal urban violence... many more than numbers who have died on some modern battlefields and 'theatres of war', in fact. On this blog at this time we remember Jackie Marshall in whose memory this website was set up to try to change the awful mentality, causes and events that lead to knife crime. How much real success has there been...? I'm left wondering but there is healthier climate of awareness and education underway to tackle knife crime these days, helped hugely by the many anti-knife crime campaigners out there. Fixed up on a wall in the Mcdonalds restaurant at Chichester Gate where Jackie was killed back in April 2005 there is marble-type plaque. It sits there overlooking the spot where she was stabbed by assailant Shane Freer and where I held her until the ambulance staff arrived. The plaque has a poem carved out in Jackie's memory by Samm Gillett:
In memory of Jacky Marshall
Customer Care Manager
A true friend to all, who always took care of the little things
Every moment you graced the lobby floor someone was touched and so much more
You were welcoming, supportive and inspirational
You were affectionate, joyful and sensational
You were genuine, devoted and big hearted
You will be missed dearly departed
Jackie Marshall - Stabbed at Mcdonalds restaurant, Chichester
(You can read more about Jackie on this blog. Use the search box at top of this page or check some of the archived posts about her.)
Knife crime... stabbings... shootings... fighting... British violence... world conflict... how are you making a difference to change things for the better? Really, what are you doing? You could really change things - don't be discouraged.
Calls to legalise guns, allowing ordinary citizens to arm themselves, have at times dominated this blog. The reason this debate is allowed to feature on a knife crime blog is because the broader issues are highly relevant i.e. about carrying weapons - blades or guns - and all types of violent crime.
In short, as well as anti-knife, this blog is anti-all weapons for private use including anti-gun. Ultimately, this blog is focused on achieving non-violent, civilised, peaceful - and one day, we hope, happy - existence. Many pro-gunners have spent some time on this blog trying to argue private gun use should be allowed, alluding to legal use in the USA making their 'pro' position valid (e.g. Graham Showell and Britain Needs Guns).
Bearing that in mind, I was interested in recent murder / killing statistics published in Time magazine (Aug 20 2012) demonstrating unequivocally that the USA clearly has a major gun problem, and most definitely not a solution to the country's ills (or the world's, for that matter). From 'The Case for Gun Control' by Fareed Zakaria: "Gun violence in America is off the chart compared to every other country on the planet. The gun-homicide rate per capita in the US is 30 times that of Britain and Australia, 10 times that of India and four times that of Switzerland. "... [The USA] does have many, many more guns. There are 88.8 firearms per 100 people in the US. In second place is Yemen with 54.8, then Switzerland with 45.7 and Finland with 45.3. No other country has a rate above 40. The US handgun-ownership rate is 70% higher than that of the country with the next highest rate." And an indisputable fact is very obvious: crime has been falling over the past few decades in the US. Specifically, while violent crime rates have fallen by 20%, numbers of firearm homicides is essentially unchanged.
Zakaria makes the blindingly obvious point: "What can explain this anomaly except easier access to guns?"
And to try to hammer home his point, he courts controversy by remarking that when people throw up their hands and say nothing can be done about guns, tell them they're being un-American - and unintelligent. So it is also the case for knives. As for guns, common sense (as well as the evidence) is crystal clear that less knife carrying would reduce killings and maiming. The more we can ensure criminal knife use is prevented, the more we can ensure people - mainly our sons - can stay alive. Preventing easy access to and sale of knives, licensing their use for carrying in public places, doesn't seem quite as dramatic a step as we may have initially thought. It must be straightforward to better control sales of large combat knives (that killed Jacky Marshall, for whom this blog was set up 'in memoriam' after she was stabbed to death in a Chichester McDonald's fast food restaurant) and any kind of blade carried for self-protection... surely? So... if anyone tells you little can be done about knives (or guns), just tell them they're being un-British - and unintelligent.
As time goes on with knife crime campaigning, or indeed any kind of campaign, things can become less motivating where progress seems difficult to achieve. I just thought I'd write a short piece about giving up... or rather not giving up - it's worth keeping on.
It is quite isolating at time writing a blog; I've tried to contact some key people, kept focus on the key issues (and probably strayed off script at times), always invited comments, passed on Facebook details, tried to make time where there seems little to find. Staying motivated can be a struggle - one can get tired, weary etc and wonder if things will really change that much, especially as the killings and injury crime figures keep on piling in.
That said, when someone fatally stabbed dies in your arms, I don't think the motivation to change things can leave you.
And to campaign for peace does not mean being passive. In fact, a form of aggression is needed, determination, perseverance. Some aggression is not necessarily negative - combined with passion, it can drive an athlete on to achieve; it can drive on those campaigning for justice, truth, change in the knife and violent crime business.
To know criminally-minded people are killing and injuring others will always be wrong. Moderation in the face of such devastation must not be countenanced. It is necessary to become angry when people do not put down the knives, the guns.
Such anger is not 'out of control' - it is essential to try to restore proper order. We probably need our own house in order too, but a moderate reaction just won't do. Just as many are angered by corrupt bankers and greedy corporations and businessmen in recent economic times, so it is with knife carriers. Criminal, evil acts must not be tolerated.
An aggressive pursuit of justice and truth, of change for the better is required. It is essential - and it is a peaceful pursuit.
Apologies that I've not been writing more posts for this blog lately, but if you have some news, information, reflections, whatever you think etc, about knife / gun / violent crime you'd like to share (video, audio, podcast, words, poems, photos etc) feel free to contact me.
Simply use a comment box (click here to see one) and send me a message. I'll get back to you if you leave contact details such as email address, phone number etc. You can also use the comment box to send a post that I will always aim to publish on this blog (I can add names or publish it as anonymous - just let me know; trained as a professional journalist, sources are always protected... but please don't abuse that privilege; that tends to come to light).
It will be good to hear from you - especially if your motives are peaceful. m.
I am writing to inform you of a candlelight vigil, which is taking place in the memory of Mohammed and Haider Ali (the two brothers who lost there life to knife crime on the 21st April 2006) which will be taking place this Sunday 23rd May 2010 at 4.00pm on Fircroft Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17.
Fircroft Road is two minutes distant from Tooting Bec underground station (Northern Line).
I am aware this is very short notice, but your attendance and support for the family would be much appreciated as the Ali family are still seeking justice for the loss of their only two sons, Mohammed (25) and Haider (24).
Losing one child to murder is horrendous, but two in one night, how does one cope with this?
I would be grateful if you would confirm attendance by duly acknowledging my email. If you have any queries please contact me on 07960947075.
East London is featuring as an area for regular knife crime incidents. In the latest tragedy, a 'Good Samaritan' father-of-one who went to help a mugging victim near Barking railway station has been killed - see 'Hero father stabbed to death' article in the Guardian.
The two male suspects have been described as black, aged in their 20s to 30s, and about 5ft 7in to 6ft.
Weapon carrying is a major problem in this part of the city, especially among gang members. An 18-year-old was found days before Christmas lying dead in a Bow street with multiple stab wounds.
I still ask what possesses people to carry weapons. Perhaps that question is easier to answer than actually using one. Whatever, it makes me sick to the pit of my stomach. Why kill someone? What possible benefit can there be? There is none - all it brings is misery.
Now, early in 2010, a child is left father-less by such murderous criminals and that child must deal with life without a caring parent.
Often writing this blog I feel powerless to help. Set up as a memorial for those killed by knife crime, I sometimes feel it's only words. But each of us should try to do something, surely. For those who mourn today my heart goes out - and I know that's not enough at this time, by miles...
On a final point, if there is advice to give at this time, it is simply to say to others that they should not get caught up in street fights.
If there is the likelihood you might get injured by a knife-wielding thug (or gang members), run away - live to fight another day, another way. Do the observant thing though if you get a chance. Take a good look at them, note their clothes, hair style, shoes etc - pass all that useful info to the police. If and when they catch them, do an identity parade and point them out.
You are worth more to us alive than dead, worth so much more than the scum with the knives (and guns). Step by step we will beat them.
Many people ask me for background information about this knife crime blog so I thought I'd write a quick post covering some of this.
When it started, there were three main aims which haven't changed that much (although the scope may have crept a little):
1. To be a living, breathing memorial to Jacky Marshall, a supervisor who worked at a McDonalds in Chichester (a fast food restaurant in Chichester Gate). She was fatally stabbed on a busy Saturday lunchtime in April 2005 in front of a packed restaurant with some children's parties in full swing. A shocking and deeply disturbing event. (Read about the Crown Court trial and conviction here.)
My two daughters loved her. She was simply the best person we've ever known work in a fast food restaurant. She used to fuss over the girls and other children, always giving them balloons and toys whenever we popped in for 'happy meals'.
2. To be a useful online resource, always on 24x7, packed with information and news for anyone interested in trying to stop this scourge afflicting the UK (and other countries) and to try to make society safer.
I focus on making it contemporary, relevant, sometimes (perhaps often) controversial to generate views, and have aimed to carefully select online resources about knife crime to inform and help with the debate, as well as help people afflicted.
Wherever possible I aim to more intelligently interpret knife crime developments better than the often time-pressed, soundbite style of the mainstream media that most of us experience.
As time has gone on, there is much more information now available elsewhere. I aim to provide links to this - but I write this knife crime blog in my spare time so I'm conscious of missing things. That said, I believe it is still highly relevant to informing and tackling issues associated with violent crime. (And let me know if there's something you think I should take a look at.)
Over time, I've also focused a little on gun crime, other violence and war (as well as peace!), as well as societal issues that seem to precipitate violent crime such as the apparently greed-ridden world of high (and not so high) finance, profit-obsessed corporations, even MPs' expenses. (I'd even say Simon Cowell has much to answer for with his disparaging, demotivating comments on X-Factor. Better to work with and help people than relentlessly criticise, surely.
Two important areas I'm conscious need more in-depth exploration are poverty and organised crime. Watch this space for more on that. If you have any documents / links etc about this issue and its connections to violence, use of knives and guns etc, please send them to me.
3. I place some focus on those that carry knives. These people seem to experience some power and control when they carry knives. I think it important that those carrying knives need to know it is not tolerated by our society - and that no-one thinks they are powerful in any way... rather, they are fools. There is no kudos or an ounce of credibility carrying a knife.
It’s just plain stupid, idiotic.That said, these people are a danger to innocent people; they threaten our lives, so disarming them must be handled with care.
What I’d say to people is visit this blog and make contributions. I work in online and search marketing so have worked to ensure the blog is easy to find on the Internet – just go to Google or Yahoo and type in three words 'knife crime blog'. The blog is usually in #1 position in the search engine results pages.
Read a few posts and click on the various links to websites that I’ve placed there; then just think about what you could do. Then I’d say simply do something peaceful to add to what is a massive groundswell out there against violent crime.
Perhaps offer comfort by writing to those affected or commenting on blogs
Report criminal acts to the police (anonymously if necessary via Crimestoppers)
Maybe you could find an opportunity to influence knife carriers through youth work
One important point: people mustn’t put themselves in danger fighting knife, gun and other violent crime – it’s not worth it; run away to live and defeat this evil menace another day. Never give up is a motto I seem to be developing through this blog.
Theresa Cave, organiser of Mothers Against Violence North East (MAV) - whose son Chris was stabbed to death in 2003 - has asked me to point people at her anti-violence group and some related links and video content.
First, here's her 'Stop the Stabbings' video, produced for the UK government's Home Office:
Also, I'm adding MAVNE to the resource section of this blog.
Here's the note from Theresa:
"Hi Mark, just had a quick look on your blog page. I found it to be very good, don't know how I haven't seen it before. My name's Theresa Cave (Mothers against Violence North East) and I wondered if you would add us to your page.
"Please take a look at the groups page and other groups I have also gone too. I have campaigned against knife crime since 2003 when I lost my son to the knife aged 17.
"It is a long hard fight which I feel needs more attention now more than ever although it has dropped ever so slightly of late in this area. I would like to know more about your work if it is possible and would like to invite you to see the campaign video that I did for the Home Office in the 'It Doesnt Have To Happen' campaign last year.
"The video is on YouTube Home Office site under 'Stop the Stabbings'. I also did the radio ad that is out now nationally.
"I feel very deeply on the subject and would welcome any advice / help you can offer me. I work around with youth in schools, colleges and uni and also have talked in attendance centres and the likes.
"If you know of any youth groups / organisations that would like me to visit them please let me know as distance to me is not an issue but getting the word across is a big one. Thanks for your time - hope to hear from you - bye, Theresa Cave."
And for your info, here's my reply. If anyone else is interested in posting information about their groups here, feel free to contact me:
"Hi Theresa - I'm just posting some info about your group on my blog - http://knifecrime.blogspot.com. Do add a link to the blog from your site - it all helps get the word round etc.
"It is always upsetting when people get in touch about the death of a loved one from knife crime or other violence. I'm deeply sorry you lost Chris to this knife scourge we seem to be plagued with.
"I started this blog as a memorial to Jacky Marshall, a McDonalds manager I went to help when she was fatally stabbed on a Saturday lunchtime at Chichester. I also hoped - and still work to achieve - that the site could develop into a useful vehicle for effecting positive change in a UK culture seemingly obsessed by violence, at least at times.
"My time is limited and I do what I can. It's a gradual, drip, drip, drip approach. Personally, I think the campaign work you describe is excellent - by pressing on the way you have been is all about being part of 'the solution'. Don't wear yourself out, remember to conserve your energy as you chip away.
"As I come across people, groups, news, networks, initiatives etc I add the information to this blog. Keep an eye on it - sign up to regular emails in the box on the right hand side of the blog. I'll certainly point people in your direction, as and when.
"My mum's family are all from the north east - I know Redcar quite well and my Gran lives in Staithes, near Whitby! Small world! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
When Shane Freer went into a Chichester hardware shop and easily bought a hunting-type knife so he could kill Jackie Marshall, the shop brazenly displayed such weapons in its window.
Walking past there last night amid the joyful Christmas lights, I noticed the flick-knives and what I would call 'obvious knife weapons' are no longer on show.
The shop - David Messam in East Street - is to be commended for taking a progressive step. While pen knives and the like are still advertised as some kind of 'must have' accessory, the 'obvious weapons' are not.
Do you know any other shops displaying 'obvious weapons' in their windows? Why not pop in and ask them to take them off the shelves. Just a thought.
Eddie Marshall, the husband of stabbed McDonald's manager Jacky Marshall, has called for a full inquiry into how her killer's mental health problems (who had Asperger Syndrome) went undiagnosed.
Lessons must be learned from the case to avoid further tragedies in the future, says Eddie.
Eddie Marshall has questioned why Shane Freer's affliction by the Asperger Syndrome was not diagnosed.
Mr Marshall (64) said: "Obviously Asperger's comes in all sorts of shapes and forms. His was a very severe form. That's one of the things that I'll never understand – why he managed to slip through the system."
He added: "He was always considered a loner and someone who didn't mix well and it's a mystery why it wasn't picked up before. I think it needs to be looked into and investigated
"Everybody has been let down. Society has been let down. Obviously his parents don't want this either. There are no winners here. We all lost on April 16, 2006."
Mark Dunn, West Sussex County Councillor who has responsibility for child services, said compared with ten years ago when there were less monitoring processes, the system had improved and changed for identifying children who show concerning behaviour.
He said: "The whole ethos today is that diagnosis happens very early on and to make an early intervention."
I was a witness at a fatal attack in McDonald's in Chichester - a small city on the English south coast, UK, between Portsmouth and Brighton.
My initial thinking in the aftermath is best supporting the victims of such a knife crime. Much has been written and broadcast about the man who committed this killing - but it's time to think of the victims, especially the affected families. My experience of this has shown they are not as well helped as they could be.
Overview: A man with a severe form of autism was jailed for life and detained under the Mental Health Act at Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire for stabbing his manager in front of customers on a busy Saturday lunchtime .
Shane Kevin Freer (21), of First Avenue, Batchmere, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility (he had Asperger Syndrome) for a "horrific, frenzied, ferocious and crazed" attack on 56-year-old Jacky Marshall in April 2005. Tribute to Jacky from her husband, Eddie
What did you think about what happened? There'll be more written here over time about your views, but also the difficulties and issues that the victims suffered and continue to deal with. Jacky's family are backing this blog and are keen that systems are changed and improved, that knife crime can be reduced.
It is my intention to use this blog as a kind of living petition to change things with regard to knife crime - and to at least press for better help for victims during the machinations of the legal system.
Do start sending your thoughts, insight, inside knowledge, information - whatever you believe may help.
Knife crime My 'knife crime' court case is due later this year and is sub judice (I was a witness, not an accused). As time goes by, I am thinking about telling my story in a compassionate, non-sensational way with one aim - to stop people using or owning knives with life-threatening intent.
The whole 'knife crime' event I was caught up in was traumatising. Since the event, it has acutely sensitised me to 'knife crime' stories that now seem to abound in the UK.
I thought I would start a 'knife crime' blog to capture relevant stories, opinion and focus about 'knife crime', mainly with the aim to highlight the problem, perhaps generating publicity, interest and maybe pressure etc that can help stop this sickening scourge on our society today.
This blog is starting out not expecting to be anything great, but to maybe develop some kind of snowball momentum to press for change - in laws, in attitudes, in society.
Please join me. Do you have thoughts on 'knife crime'? Websites to link to? Help to offer? Suggestions to give? Ideas to press for change for the better?
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