Family Demand Knife Killing Sentence To Be More Than Doubled

A so-called tougher knife crime sentencing regime – which saw a 14 year-old caged for 6 years for killing his friend with a stab to the neck – was slammed by the victim’s family who want a heavier sentence.

Hackney youth Michael Ematuwo pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the manslaughter of 17 year-old Jahmal Mason Blair (pictured) during a row with a third youngster over a bike.

The teenage victim, a promising footballer, of Colvestone Crescent, Dalston, suffered the fatal injury at 1 am on May 23 in nearby Amhurst Road, as he tried to break-up a fight between the defendant and 16 year-old.

Ematuwo was involved in an ongoing dispute with the 16-year-old over the ownership of a bicycle and pulled a knife when all three met at a pre-arranged location.

Jahmal’s sister Maria Mason told the BBC: “We are not very happy because six years is too lenient a sentence to be given.

“We feel that if you commit an adult crime then you need to do adult time.

“Everyone knows you don’t go around carrying knives in the first place. He did, so it doesn’t matter wether he intended to hurt Jahmal or not.

“I don’t think six years is a deterrent, I think the sentence needs to be longer. The government need to review their sentencing laws, especially for minors.

“I think fifteen years would be a good deterrent and that would send out a strong message to youngsters who carry knives.

“How many more lives are we going to lose before they realize that carrying a knife is not cool. It is not a cool accessory.”

Investigating officer DI Andy Yeats of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: "This was a tragic incident which resulted in the unnecessary death of a young man who had so much to live for.

"There simply could not be a clearer example of the dangers of young people carrying knives.

"A dispute between two boys over a bicycle has cost the life of Jahmal, because in the heat of the moment a weapon was produced.

"If you carry a knife, regardless of your intentions, you are in possession of a lethal weapon.

I struggle to comprehend the stupidity of a small minority who continue to do so, despite regular incidents that result in the deaths and serious injury of young people.

"If you carry a knife, you are placing people's lives at risk, including your own. Learn the tragic lessons of this case and put them away now."