'Zombie-style knives ban does not go far enough'

The mother of a 16-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed with a zombie knife is calling for the government to do more, ahead of the introduction of a new law.

Mikey Roynon, from Kingswood, near Bristol, was killed by three teenagers at a party in Bath, Somerset, in June 2023.

The Offensive Weapons Act, which is being introduced from 24 September, will see a ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes.

Hayley Ryall, Mikey's mother, said: "If we don’t change the way that these kids think, then they’re still going to carry a knife."

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said the ban was the first step in the government's plan to halve knife crime in a decade and would be followed by efforts to outlaw ninja swords.

But Ms Ryall worries that the new law will "not be enough" to combat knife crime.

"I wish the government would ask us [what we need] and listen to us because we're the ones living with it," she said.

"Knives will still be available to get a hold of. It might not be a zombie knife... it could be a kitchen knife or it could be anything."

Ms Ryall said she didn't realise "how serious" knife crime was among youths until her son became a victim.

After a six week trial at Bristol Crown Court earlier this year, Shane Cunningham, Leo Knight and Cartel Bushnell, all 16, were convicted of Mikey's killing.

Cunningham was convicted of murder, while Knight and Bushnell were convicted of manslaughter after being acquitted of the more serious charge.

Cunningham has been detained for life, Bushnell has been detained for nine years and Knight has been detained for nine years and six months.

Avon and Somerset Police released CCTV footage of the trio travelling to the party on a bus from Wiltshire. They were concealing sharp objects beneath their clothing.

People in England and Wales have until 23 September to surrender any zombie knives and machetes before the Offensive Weapons Act is introduced. The law was created by the former Conservative government.

Anybody who surrenders their weapons to police will be given compensation. Those who wish to remain anonymous can dispose of their weapons in surrender bins.

The government said anybody who freely gives up their weapons before the law begins will not be arrested or prosecuted.

In 2016, zombie knives were added to the government's list of prohibited offensive weapons, but a loophole meant many items bypassed the rule.

Providing they do not feature images depicting violence on their handles, many weapons can be sold and possessed. The new law will bring an end to the loophole.

Ms Ryall believes that police should be given stronger powers to stop and search people, particularly those that are caught with weapons.

"If that person could get stopped and searched every time the police came across them, I think that would make a huge difference.

"It would stop these kids carrying knives in the first place," she added.

"The amnesty is great, but there needs to be more."

According to the government, anyone found with zombie-style knives and machetes following the ban will face jail time.