Cameron Hamilton stab death: Gran joins BCP Council anti-knife campaign

Cameron Hamilton, 18, was killed in Bournemouth last August

The grandmother of a man who died in a fatal stabbing has joined a campaign to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime.

The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council scheme follows the death of Cameron Hamilton last summer.

Mr Hamilton, 18, died after a late-night altercation in The Square in Bournemouth in August 2023.

Grandmother Tracy Jose said: "The impacts of knife crime are very real, as my family has sadly experienced."

She added: "So a campaign such as this that gets young people engaging and talking about knife crime is so important for everyone.

"As Cameron's grandmother, I would ask everyone to think twice before deciding to carry a knife which can have serious consequences for them, and potentially devastate other families like ours."

Thomas Betteridge was given a nine-year custodial sentence for the manslaughter of Mr Hamilton

A variety of events and activities will take place across the coming weeks, including theatre workshops, skateboarding events and live music.

BCP Council said the initiatives would be complemented by resources to "equip parents and carers, as well as members of the community, with the tools to address and prevent knife-related incidents effectively". 

Ms Jose added: "Please don't carry a knife - if there had not been one present on 5 August, Cam would still be alive and here with us today, and that's what young people need to realise."

The scheme is part of the wider Safer BCP partnership, which involves Dorset Police, independent businesses and the council - along with other local groups.

Thomas Betteridge, 18, was cleared of murdering Mr Hamilton after claiming self-defence but was given a nine-year custodial sentence last month for manslaughter and knife possession.

Lennie Hansen, 18, of Waterlooville, brought the 12.5cm (5in) knife that Betteridge used and was given a 13-month custodial sentence.

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