THE family of a murdered teenager are meeting with the First Minister to discuss tackling youth knife crime.
Kory McCrimmon died after he was stabbed following a confrontation in Greenfield Park in Glasgow’s East End on May 31 last year.
First Minister, John Swinney, and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, will meet with Kory's family this Wednesday, July 23.
The meeting was requested by the McCrimmon family as a chance to talk about what can be done to tackle the issue of knife crime, especially amongst young people, and what preventative measures can be put in place.
This follows the family organising a ‘Parents Against Knives’ walk in Glasgow last month.
READ MORE: 'Parents Against Knives' march takes place through Glasgow
To commemorate the first anniversary of the 16-year-old’s death, his loved ones planned a peaceful walk, which took place on Sunday, June 22.
Speaking ahead of the event, Kory’s big brother Jamie told crowds that his sibling’s absence is a ‘senseless burden that his family have to carry for the rest of their lives’.
About 200 people turned out for the walk, which left from outside Rangers' Ibrox Stadium and ended at Celtic's home ground, [[Celtic]] Park.
They joined Kory’s parents, Neil and Elizabeth McCrimmon, and his brother as they braved the pouring rain.
We previously reported that a 14-year-old boy who admitted killing Kory following a dispute over £50 was sentenced to five years' detention.
READ MORE: Boy, 14, who admitted killing Kory McCrimmon in Glasgow sentenced
After the sentencing, The Scottish Sun reported how Kory's parents, Neil and Elizabeth, hit out over the lack of justice they felt.
Speaking with the newspaper, Neil, 57, said: “Five years for taking our son’s life? It’s disgusting. What message does this give to all the young lads running crazy, carrying knives around Glasgow and surrounding areas?
“They’ll just think they can do whatever they want.”
Heartbroken mum Elizabeth, 44, also slammed the “mind-boggling” punishment.
She said: “He’ll probably be out before he’s 18. It’s a joke. I’m fuming.”
READ MORE: Parents of Kory McCrimmon 'fuming' over killer's sentence
"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 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.
"Our Support for Families Bereaved by Crime team sees first-hand the lasting trauma caused by knife crime on the families and loved ones left behind.
"If you or someone you know has been affected by knife crime, or any other type of crime, please know that help is available.
"Reach out to us through our helpline or visit our website to find out how we can support you."
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