Jail all knife thugs

TO GET TOUGH ON CRIME IF ELECTED

- BY PAUL HUTCHEON

CHATTY Anas Sarwar talks to Record man Paul Hutcheon

ANAS Sarwar has said knife thugs should go to jail as he promised an end to Scotland's “soft-touch” justice system.

The Scottish Labour leader backed a “zero tolerance” approach to yobs carrying blades and called time on the “cuddly” approach to punishment.

Sarwar's call comes after a spate of knife crime deaths in young people.

Kayden Moy, who was 16 and from East Kilbride, suffered fatal stab wounds earlier this year during a day out at Irvine Beach in Ayrshire.

Three teenagers have been accused of murdering Kayden by chasing and stabbing him at a beach.

Amen Teklay, 15, was fatally injured with a sword in a Glasgow street in March. Two boys aged 15 and 16 are to stand trial next year.

Sentencing guidelines for under 25s have a presumption against jail and Sarwar has promised a review, if Scottish Labour wins the Holyrood election.

He said a rethink would lead to more thugs getting caged if they are caught carrying a knife.