Scottish Government 'investing in work to prevent knife crime and gang culture', says Neil Gray

The justice secretary says the Scottish Government is investing in work to prevent knife crime and gang culture amongst young people.

It comes after three teenagers were convicted of murdering Kayden Moy at Irvine Beach last May.

On Friday, Jay Stewart, 18, and a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named due to his age, were found guilty of murdering the 16-year-old in a knife attack.

Cole Turley, 18, pleaded guilty to murder before the trial at the High Court in Glasgow had begun.

During the trial, jurors heard how the incident unfolded amid a dispute between rival gangs from East Kilbride.

Glasgow & West

Two teens found guilty of murdering Kayden Moy at Irvine beach

Jay Stewart, 18, and a 15-year-old boy were found guilty of murdering Kayden Moy following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow

Following the conviction of the three teenagers, justice secretary Neil Gray told STV News that the Scottish Government would be investing millions of pounds into its Cashback for Communities initiative.

The scheme, which has been running since 2008, provides free activities and programmes for young people across Scotland and is funded through proceeds of crime.

“[There will be] £6m in additional funding going into Cashback for Communities to provide diversionary activity to support young people into alternatives to that type of culture,” Gray said.

“It’s why we’re pursuing the likes of Extra Time initiatives, so that we can prevent people picking up a knife in the first place, prevent people being involved in that type of gangland culture.”

Following the verdict, Superintendent Graeme Gallie said violent crime among young people is falling – but that weapon-carrying is on the rise as teens “don’t feel safe”.

He said: “We have through our stop and search activity noticed that weapon-carrying is on the increase, especially amongst teenagers.

“In order to understand that better we’ve worked with the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit to engage with young people, and the message we get back is they are carrying weapons because they don’t feel safe, and they’re carrying it for protection.

“They’re being influenced by social media and the internet.”

However, Superintendent Gallie added that the force had seen the lowest number of under-18s accused of violent crime in the past year.

He added: “The majority of young people are not involved in violence and not involved in carrying weapons.”