The message from the police to youths from SW15 on knife crime

On Friday the 13th of August 2010 officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Unit attended the KICKZ project at the Ashburton Youth Club, Westleigh Avenue, SW15 and presented a workshop on the topic of Joint Enterprise, explaining how being present at the time of an incident or stabbing could end in being charged as part of a joint enterprise.

The evening was arranged by PC Paul James of the West Putney Safer Neighbourhoods Team as part of an ongoing series of youth intervention workshops in conjunction with external partners from Chelsea FC Football in the Community and Wandsworth Youth Services. Approximately 35 young people attended the session from the Ashburton and Henry Prince KICKZ projects.

PC James said,“The kids were enthralled with this presentation. It really got them thinking about their own lives and the decisions they make.”

Young people could spend years behind bars for murder without pulling a trigger or using a knife.
The message is simple: if a person's presence, knowledge or actions lead to a killing, they could be charged with murder under Joint Enterprise. Those who lend encouragement and approval to a crime can be charged with the same offence as the chief perpetrator and could receive similar prison sentences.

Commander Simon Foy, head of the MPS Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said:
"The hope is that once young people appreciate the way the law operates, they will think twice about their involvement with groups and gangs and walk away before any trouble starts. If we can get young people thinking about what they're doing, we're well on our way to educating them. We are tapping into something which young people in particular just haven't thought about."

August 20, 2010