Youth urged to consider effects of knife crime

A woman whose brother was murdered in a stabbing has urged young people not to carry knives and to consider the effects of knife crime on their families.

Becky Dustan's brother, Michael Riddiough-Allen, 32, was attacked outside the Eclipse nightclub in Bodmin on 30 April 2023.

Mr Riddiough-Allen's family has set up Mike's Trust (Michael's Initiative for Knifecrime Education in Society) to educate young people about knife crime.

Ms Dustan said: "It's not just the life you may take, which we hope doesn't happen again, but it's your life as well, and it's your family's lives disrupted and ruined by one small action."

The trust has supported a new youth darts club in Bodmin and has plans to help other youth organisations in the town, Ms Dustan said.

"They provide safety and family and opportunities to develop skills and grow to be well-rounded adults," she said.

The trust also plans to launch a new education scheme in schools to raise awareness of the effects of knife crime.

"We want to help young people see that there are other options, that carrying a knife is not the best option," Ms Dustan added.