5:30pm Tuesday 24th November 2009
KNIFE-carrying yobs in Bolton will be shown graphic images of stab wounds in an effort to discourage them from reoffending.
Doctors and nurses will show offenders real-life pictures of the damage done by blades as part of Government efforts to clamp down on knife Crime.
Under the Knife Crime Prevention Programme (KCPP), which has been extended to knife crime hotspots, young offenders will also meet victims of knife crime and ex-criminals who have turned their lives around.
The scheme, run jointly by the Home Office and Youth Justice Board, will also offer anger management courses and lectures by police on the law on knives.
Home Office minister David Hanson said: “This course brings young people face to face with the consequences of knife crime, whatever the reason they carried the knife in the first place.
“These young people could be on the brink of entering serious crime or gang lifestyles. By bringing together the police, local authorities and ex-offenders in this way we hope to prevent this happening and give these young people back their futures.”
Following a pilot, the scheme has been extended to areas covered by the Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP), which include Greater Manchester and Bolton.
Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said the campaign sends a message to young people that carrying a knife would not be tolerated.
He added: “Through this programme young people are being made to acknowledge their crime while carrying out their sentences, helping to prevent a repeat offence.”
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