Mother of Murder Victim Says Parents Should Be Held Accountable for Child's Knife Crime

Knife Crime Dylan Keelan Nicola Wardle Greater Manchester Police

By Joel Brussels , Parent Herald Mar 17, 10:17 am

Photo: (Photo : PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The grieving mother of a young man who was stabbed to death by a teenager is calling for parents to be held accountable if their son or daughter commits a knife crime. Nicola Wardle made the call after losing her son Dylan Keelan due to a knife attack in Cheetham Hill Road, Dukinfield on February 4.

According to the Daily Record, Wardle was seen wiping away her tears as she talked to reporters at Tuesday's press conference in Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Force Headquarters. She said that her son was a lovely, kind and respectful boy who always had a cheeky smile on his face.

Wardle also talked about the future that was taken away from his son, saying "Dylan and his mates wanted to go on a lads holiday to celebrate their 21sts." Wardle said she was looking forward to watching Dylan grow up, get married and have kids.

Wardle wants parents to be prosecuted for their child's knife crime

Wardle added that she is broken and distraught with Dylan's death. She remembered his son's favorite saying "Always find a way to turn a negative into a positive." Wardle then made her plea in front of the media, saying "If this saves one life, he would want it. So, today, I am appealing to mums, dads, aunties, uncles, grandparents, teachers - anyone who cares about a kid or the safety of the streets which they walk."

Wardle said that since her son died, she has received so much support but this time, she is asking everyone to help her ensure that her son's death is not in vain. Wardle wants parents to be accountable for the actions of their children, saying "If you know or suspect your kid or any kid you care about is carrying a weapon, please do something before it's too late."

ITV News reported that Wardle wants parents to have a conversation with their children and help them surrender or report the knife crime. Wardle said that doing something might seem hard but it could save a family heartbreak like the one she is experiencing right now.

Keelan one of four young victims of knife crime in 2022

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson, portfolio holder for serious crime and public protection, also spoke at the conference, saying that she would like to send her condolences to the loved ones of the four young men who were fatally stabbed in their region this year, and others who are affected by violent crime.

Jackson echoed Wardle's sentiments, saying that one of GMP's highest priorities is preventing and reducing the use of weapons in their area. Jackson added that police officers and their staff are working to keep people in the region safe in a number of ways, such as continuing with their Forever Knife Amnesty, and working with partner agencies and communities.

According to Manchester Evening News, Keelan is one of four young victims to be fatally stabbed in the Greater Manchester Area since the start of the year. Abdilkarm Ahmed was knifed to death aged 18 last Friday in Bury. Previous to Ahmed and Keelan's deaths, 16-year-old Kennie Carter and 17-year-old Alan Szelugowski also ended up being victims of knife crime in January.