A coroner who investigated the killing of local teenager Yousef Makki has called for more to be done to tackle knife culture among some young people.
17-year-old Yousef Makki was tragically stabbed to death by Joshua Molnar with a flick knife during a row they had in the Hale Barns area of Trafford back on the evening of 2 March 2019 – and now, coroner Alison Mutch has said that swift action must be taken to prevent any further deaths.
The coroner said the knife that killed the Manchester Grammar School pupil was purchased online with ease “during break time at school”.
Molnar claimed self-defence and was cleared by a jury at Manchester Crown Court of murder and manslaughter, with the coroner’s narrative conclusion also ruling out both unlawful killing and accidental death.
He was jailed for 16 months for the possession of a knife in a public place and perverting the course of justice by lying to police at the scene.
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At the end of the inquest, the coroner said that there was “nothing impressive about the possession of a knife”, and that “work needs to be done in relation to the education of young people on the risks that can arise and on the all too tragic consequences of the possession of a knife.”
Ms Mutch has now voiced her concerns in a letter to Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi.
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Yousef Makki, 17, was stabbed to death in Hale Barns on 2 March 2019 / Credit: Greater Manchester Police
In the letter, titled ‘Report to Prevent Future Deaths’, she said: “The inquest heard evidence there was a culture amongst some teenagers who saw the possession of knives as being impressive, and who did not understand the risks inherent in carrying knives.
“The knife with which Yousef was stabbed had been purchased with ease during a break time at school [and] it was clear from the evidence schools and education play a vital role in attitudes to carrying knives by teenagers.”
She concluded: “In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.
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“There is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.”
Mr Zahawi has 56 days to respond to the ‘Report to Prevent Future Deaths’, and the response must contain the details of all action to be taken – including a timetable – otherwise, it must contain an explanation of why no action is to be taken.
Featured Image – Greater Manchester Police
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
11th January 2022 
