My son Harley Barfield,  a vibrant 16-year-old boy, was stabbed 12 times in a planned attack in Haverhill Suffolk on 9th January 2023. He lost his fight for life on 11th January 2023.

 It was an ordinary day, just after school let out at 3.04pm. He was attacked in broad daylight, in front of many children returning home from school. The weapon? An everyday kitchen steak knife used with deadly intent. The attacker had a history of threatening others and evidence of interest in knives.

Harley had no affliliation whatsoever with knives or violence. 
My thinking is a mandatory 12 month prison sentence ( so magistrate courts can impose this) for first time offenders, increasing this for repeat offenders alongside a mandatory 6 month knife awareness course for rehabilitation in the community…. This is something I’m doing more research into.

This tragedy is not an isolated incident; it's part of a larger problem that we must address urgently - the issue of knife crime and the lackadaisical attitude towards its prevention and punishment.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there has been an alarming increase in knife crime across England and Wales over recent years [source: ONS]. Despite this rise, there is currently no mandatory sentence for those caught in possession of a knife.

We need to change this now! We are calling on lawmakers to introduce new legislation that will impose mandatory sentencing for anyone found carrying knives unlawfully. This law would serve as both a deterrent and punishment for those who choose to carry these dangerous weapons without valid reason or authorization.

Let's turn our grief into action and ensure no other parent has to endure the pain my family has experienced due to such senseless violence. Please sign this petition today and help us bring about much-needed change!