SINCE the beginning of 2018, knife crime has robbed more than a dozen North-East families of their loved ones.

Serious crimes involving blades have more than doubled in five years, according to a

Northern Echo investigation

.

Countless families and individuals have had their lives torn apart as a result.

In our region, at least 14 people have died in fatal stabbings since April 2018.

The victims include:

The Northern Echo:

16 April 2018: Steven Willis, Normanby

A family funeral resulted in further tragedy when a violent confrontation between relatives ended with the death of Steven Willis, also known as Steven Pickering. The 27-year-old – described by loved ones as a “gentleman” and a “shining star” - was stabbed in the heart and died in the street after going to the aid of his father, who was also knifed as the assault unfolded. Mr Willis’ half-brother Lennon was also attacked. Their cousin, Kieran Ibitson was later found guilty of murder. Mark Pickering and Dominic Pickering were found guilty of manslaughter.

The Northern Echo:

22 July 2018: Craig Barker, Stockton

Much-loved father Craig Barker – also known as Craig Slater – died two days after being brutally assaulted in his Stockton home. Armed with two axes, Nathan Davis burst into the much-loved father’s home and launched a murderous attack that also saw Mr Barker’s dog killed. There were ten people, including five children, in the property at the time. An outpouring of grief from across the community followed the popular car-wash worker’s death. Career criminal Davis was jailed for 28 years following a manhunt.

The Northern Echo:

3 August 2018: Kelly Franklin, Hartlepool

A close-knit neighbourhood was rocked by the murder of mother-of-three Kelly Franklin. The popular 29-year-old was stabbed more than 30 times by her abusive ex-partner Torbjorn Kettlewell in a street attack that took place just yards from a children’s playground. Lovers Kettlewell and Julie Wass were eventually jailed over the killing.

The Northern Echo:

1 September 2018: Ryan Nathan Thompson, Sacriston

Joiner Ryan Nathan Thompson, 25, died from a single stab wound to the chest after being stabbed during a confrontation with his former schoolmate Richard Lee in a back lane in Sacriston. Lee was jailed for life over the killing.

The Northern Echo:

5 September 2018: Joan Hoggett, Sunderland

Beloved grandmother Joan Hoggett was knifed more than 20 times by paranoid schizophrenic Ethan Mountain while stacking shelves at a One Stop shop in Fulwell, Sunderland. A murder charge against the 19-year-old was dropped and Mountain pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The aftermath of the trial saw the 62-year-old’s heartbroken family urge people not to carry knives as they encouraged those with mental health problems to seek help.

The Northern Echo:

29 September 2018: Peter Gilling, Billingham

Peter Gilling’s grieving relatives highlighted the escalating issue of knife crime as they addressed reporters outside court following the trial of his killer, Derek Pallas. Drug dealer Pallas murdered Mr Gillan outside of the Melsonby Court block of flats in Billingham following a dispute. The 39-year-old was stabbed five times and suffered wounds including a severed femoral artery. A statement from Mr Gilling’s loved ones paid tribute to him as it highlighted the devastating impact of the attack. It said: “Knife crime has escalated massively this past year. No-one should feel they need to protect themselves or their children against knife crime…”

The Northern Echo:

18 October 2018: Atakan Atay, Gateshead

Helena Karine Atay was cleared of murdering her husband but found guilty of manslaughter after she stabbed shop owner Atakan Atay during a confrontation at their Birtley home. She claimed she had been the victim of an abusive relationship. Mr Atay, 45, was described as a “doting father” to his two children and “the apple” of his family. A statement from his family said: “We are all going to carry the pain of that knife in our hearts all through our lives.”

The Northern Echo:

8 January 2019: Gavin Moon, Washington

‘Devoted dad’ Gavin Moon was stabbed in his Washington flat. Two people, Sunderland 47-year-old Brian Goldsmith and Washington man Luc Barker, 28, were charged with his murder. A trial is expected to begin at Newcastle Crown Court in June.

The Northern Echo:

24 February 2019: Connor Brown, Sunderland

Popular teen boxer Connor Brown was fatally stabbed behind The Borough pub in Sunderland. The 18-year-old student’s death left the community reeling and inspired tributes from his former schoolmate, England footballer and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, among others. Ally Gordon, 19, and Leighton Barrass, 20, now face trial over the killing.

The Northern Echo:

20 March 2019: Alison McKenzie, Middlesbrough

Glasgow mother Alison McKenzie was found dead inside a Berwick Hills flat. The 55-year-old’s son, Ian McKenzie, was charged with murder and remanded to appear at Teesside Crown Court. The case is on-going.

The Northern Echo:

30 March 2019: Damian Banks, Durham

Damian Banks died in hospital after being found with stab wounds to his chest at a Durham property. The 34-year-old’s brother, Vincent Bell, was arrested and charged with his murder. The case is on-going.

The Northern Echo:

31 March 2019: Paul Taylor, Jarrow

Paul Taylor, 45, was found dead at a property in Jarrow from "injuries consistent with stabbing". Nicola Lee, 44, has pleaded not guilty to his murder and will face trial.

The Northern Echo:

8 April 2019: Odessa Carey, Northumberland

Pensioner Odessa Carey was found injured in her own home. The 73-year-old’s daughter – who shares the same name – was charged with her murder and is expected to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court in October.

The Northern Echo:

14 May 2019: John Lewis, Middlesbrough

Much-loved father John Lewis was identified as the 100th person to die from knife crime in the UK this year. The 32-year-old was stabbed in an incident that unfolded around Middlesbrough’s Crescent Road. Jonathan Porritt, 28, has since appeared at Teesside Crown Court in connection with the killing.

Read more:

Heartbreaking poem for John Lewis