Family of killed teenager want ‘thoughtful’ response to knife crime from Swinney

The family of a teenager killed in a knife attack have said they want a “thoughtful and co-ordinated” response to the problem ahead of a meeting with the First Minister.

The family of Kory McCrimmon are to meet both John Swinney and Justice Secretary Angela Constance on Wednesday.

The private talks come just over a year after the 16-year-old was fatally stabbed in the chest in an attack last May.

The youngster died after being found seriously injured in Greenfield Park in the east end of Glasgow.

Another boy, who was 13 at the time of the incident, has since pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and was sentenced to five years’ detention in May 2025.

In a bid to ensure the teenager’s death “will not be in vain”, his family last month joined a march against knife crime in Glasgow.

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.”

Stressing that knife crime “continues to devastate too many lives”, Kate Wallace, the chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said joint action was needed from the authorities involved to tackle the problem.

She said: “Knife crime continues to devastate too many lives across Scotland.

“Behind every statistic lies a painful reality – countless individuals, families, friends, classmates, and entire communities are left to deal with the lasting and often tragic impact.

“The McCrimmon family is calling for a thoughtful and co-ordinated 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.”

Ms Wallace continued: “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.”

Mr  Swinney expressed his “heartfelt condolences go to Kory McCrimmon’s family and every family that has suffered unimaginable loss due to knife crime”.

The First Minister said: “As a father, I find the thought of any parent having to endure the grief and trauma of losing a child in that way utterly heartbreaking.”

He said both he and the Justice Secretary would “listen carefully” to the McCrimmon family’s concerns, as well as their “suggestions for ways to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy”.

Mr Swinney also stressed: “There is absolutely no justification for carrying any weapon, including knives, at anytime, anywhere – and we must be relentless in that message.

“Our approach to tackling violence among young people is focused on prevention and early intervention through education programmes, on the unacceptability of violence, effective consequences for offences, appropriate police powers and sustained school and community engagement with young people. We owe it to every family affected to take meaningful action.”