Four teenagers sentenced following incident in Belle Vale last October

We are welcoming the sentencing of four teenagers for witness intimidation, affray and possession of weapons following an incident in Belle Vale last October.

On Monday, 22 October 2018, a group of males attended an address in Belle Vale armed with knives and hammers and made threats towards the occupants, one of whom was a witness to the manslaughter of Daniel Gee-Jamieson earlier in the year.

Four teenagers were arrested and charged, before being sentenced at Liverpool Youth Court yesterday, Wednesday 21 August.

A 16-year-old from Netherley was sentenced to 10 months detention and training order for affray, witness intimidation and possession of an offensive weapon (knife sharpener)
A 17-year-old boy from Wavertree was sentenced to 12 months detention and training order for affray, witness intimidation and possession of a weapon (hammer) in a public place
A 16-year-old boy from Netherley was sentenced to 12 months detention and training order for affray and witness intimidation
A 16-year-old boy from Netherley was sentenced to a two-year Youth Referral order for affray and witness intimidation

A 15-year-old boy from Netherley was convicted of a Section 4 public order offence after making threats and will be sentenced next month

None of the offenders can be named due to legal restrictions.

Detective Chief Inspector John Middleton said: "17-year-old Owen Cousins has already been sentenced for the senseless killing of Daniel Gee-Jamieson, due in no small part to the bravery of those who came forward to support our investigation.

"Yesterday, the four boys who sought to intimidate and frustrate this judicial process have been rightly and robustly dealt with. I hope this serves as a strong deterrent to anyone considering similar actions, whatever the twisted sense of loyalty they are operating under.

"When we see some of these boys being arrested at their school for such serious offences, it shows the grim reality of gang and knife crime, and the absolute waste of young lives that we have seen on our streets. It cannot continue.

"Nothing good can come out of gang culture, knife crime or the misplaced bravado and aggression that these people have exhibited since the tragic death of Daniel last year.

“There are ways to distance yourself from such groups, but we do know that this requires the support of everyone within our communities – of families, friends, schools, colleges, and other support organisations across Merseyside.

“There is no excuse for carrying a bladed article and if we have information or a reason to suspect that you are doing so, expect us to take action. The consequences are not just for the victims of knife crime incidents and their loved ones. If you are convicted of carrying a knife, it can ruin your own future prospects.

"If you suspect anyone you know is carrying a dangerous weapon, for whatever reason, do the right thing for you and them. Come forward to police or anonymously to Crimestoppers and you can help make our streets safer by eradicating knife crime."

Anyone with information on knife or gang crime is asked to contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 #StopKnifeCrime