Forty knives handed over in Anglesey amnesty

Mar 10 2010 by Owen R Hughes, Holyhead and Anglesey Mail

Andy McGregor

A SAMURAI sword and fighting knives were among more than 40 blades handed over to police after the fatal stabbing of an Anglesey mechanic.

Leon Jones, 21, was stabbed close to his home in Holyhead last November. The shock of his death triggered an anti-knife campaign on the island.

A two-month knife amnesty was launched at a march in his memory in February and police revealed this week dozens of knives had now been handed in at police stations. These include a Japanese sword, kitchen knives, lock knives and a Gurkha military blade.

Leon’s mum Tina Jones, of Tan yr Efail, said she was pleased the community was taking action. “I am so pleased that people are listening and are doing something about it.

“We always said we don’t want Leon’s death to be in vain, something good must come out of it and at least these knives are now not on the streets.

“I urge people to keep backing the amnesty and keep handing in knives to the police.”

The two-month amnesty was launched on Friday, February 5.

District Inspector Nigel Harrison said: “The fact is that anyone carrying a knife puts themselves in more danger of injury by increasing the potential violence used against them.

“It is safer having these knives off the streets and disposed of.

“There has been a mixture of kitchen knives and other items, like lock knives.”

He added: “The amnesty continues and I would urge people to dump any unwanted knives and other weapons at any police station on Anglesey. This is a good opportunity to get rid of household knives that people no longer need to own.”

Police added that despite this fatal stabbing there was no widespread problem with knife crime on the island. The Force recorded 13 incidents involving knives on Anglesey in 2009.

Insp Harrison said: “There is not a major problem with knife crime on Anglesey as the statistics show but anything that can reduce this even further is welcomed.”

Red disposal bins are at Holyhead and Llangefni police stations. People can also take their unwanted knives to other stations in Menai Bridge, Gaerwen and Valley.

SCOTT JOHN WHITLEY, 29, also of Tan yr Efail, Holyhead, denies the murder of Mr Jones, and charges of common assault, possessing a knife in a public place and kidnap. He will appear for trial at Caernarfon Crown Court on April 19.