Family of Glasgow teen stabbed in park to discuss knife crime with First Minister

The family of a teenager killed in a stabbing at a park in Glasgow is to discuss knife crime with the First Minister.

Kory McCrimmon, 16, was stabbed in the heart after a confrontation in Greenfield Park in the city’s East End on May 31.

The pair had earlier exchanged threats on social media in a dispute over £50. A 14-year-old was sentenced to five years’ detention in May after admitting culpable homicide.

In the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents in recent months, the McCrimmon family organised the Parents Against Knives march.

Around 200 people participated in the event, which started outside Ibrox Stadium and ended at Celtic Park.

At the time, his father, Neil McCrimmon, said: “This is our children we’re talking about, and this is where Mr Swinney needs to make changes.”

The family will now meet the First Minister and cabinet secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, on Wednesday to discuss knife crime, especially among young people, and what preventative measures can be taken.

Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “The McCrimmon family is calling for a thoughtful and coordinated response to address the issue of knife crime and prevent it from happening in the first place. Joint action is needed across the board – from Scottish Government, police, social workers, youth services, victim support organisations – with agencies working together to confront the root causes of knife crime.

“We look forward to hearing the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary’s responses to the family’s questions and urge them to carefully listen to their concerns and suggestions that may help prevent more lives being senselessly lost.”