A TEENAGER has been sentenced to life with a minimum of 14 years for the murder of Redditch man Ian Kirwan.
The 15-year-old. who cannot be named for legal reasons, was handed the term at Birmingham Crown Court today.
A 16-year-old boy was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order for 36 months (including supervision for 36 months) for violent disorder and possession of a knife.
A further two boys – one aged 15 and one 14 – were both given a youth rehabilitation order for 24 months (which includes supervision for 24 months) for violent disorder. They also cannot be named for legal reasons.
The group travelled by train from south Birmingham to Redditch on March 8 where they later stabbed Ian outside Asda on Jinnah Road.
Senior investigating officer, Det Supt Leighton Harding, said: “I’m glad justice has been done and that those involved will now pay the price for their actions on that fateful day last year.
“I’d like to commend Ian’s family on the incredible strength, courage and dignity they have shown throughout the trial and sentencing.
“I’d also like to thank the team who have worked tirelessly on this case, as well members of the public who came forward with information which was vital in the conviction and sentences handed to the youths today.”
Police welcome ‘message that action will be taken against knife crime perpetrators’
DS Harding said the force took knife crime incredibly seriously and hoped today’s sentencing would send a clear message that it could and would take action against all those who carried weapons.
“This case is a poignant reminder of the dangers of carrying a knife. They simply have no place in our society.”
He said prevention was better than cure and added in June 2022 the force launched a new prevention strategy within West Mercia Police, which focused not only how officers responded to knife crime, but also focused on preventing it happening in the first place.
“A huge part of the prevention strategy is working with young people across the communities we serve.
“Each area of the force has dedicated officers working with children and young people to divert them away from knife crime, often working closely with partner agencies to achieve this.
“We also take part in Operation Sceptre, a national knife crime initiative, twice each year, and have seen great success with our ‘Steer Clear’ initiative, which helps young people involved in, or on the periphery of being involved in, knife crime to find an alternative route.”
Concerns about knife crime can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through Fearless at www.fearless.org.
