James Brindley: Family to launch charity in memory of murdered son
A family who had their lives 'shattered' when their son was stabbed to death yards from their home have set up a charity to help teenagers who might turn to crime.
James Brindley's parents have launched The James Brindley Full Circle (Offender Management) Programme, which they say has given them 'focus and strength' following the murder of their eldest child.
James, a 26-year-old gym instructor, was stabbed while he was walking home from seeing friends in a 35-second random attack in Aldridge.
His 17-year-old killer Ammar Kahrod was sentenced to 17 years behind bars for James's murder.
Now James's parents Mark and Beverley Brindley - alongside their daughter Charlotte - are getting ready to launch a new initiative at the Town Hall in Walsall next month, in their son's memory.
Introducing the programme, James's father Mark said: "The last fifteen months of our shattered lives have been the worst imaginable, during which time, we have lurched from the trauma of the event itself, to utter disbelief and denial, and also plumbed the depths of despair and hopelessness at his loss.
"We recognise that we have a lifelong journey of healing ahead of us, helped by those around us who care. Our families, friends, the church and the wonderful community of Aldridge have all played a central role in our recovery to date. We are moving forwards again, united by a shared need, to create a powerful and lasting legacy for good, in James’s name. We have found that legacy.
"The Full Circle programme provides us with a perfect opportunity to make a huge positive difference in society, because it addresses the root causes of anti-social behaviour, that can lead to violent crime. Our aspiration to grow the programme to national status, gives us the focus and strength to move our lives forwards again, and is an essential part of our life long healing."
The James Brindley Full Circle Programme will be launched on November 2 at 9.30am in The Mayor's Parlour in the Town Hall, Walsall. At the same time the family will be launching The James Brindley Foundation, to
It is aimed at children, young people and their families, who are on the edge of becoming involved in criminal behaviour and youth violence.
The programme has been developed by qualified social workers, criminologists, and teachers and will focus on child exploitation, peer pressure, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, gang culture, and violent behaviour - among other things.
Mark added: "Its purpose is to educate individuals on how their attitudes and actions directly and indirectly affect others, the legal consequences of their actions, and provide them with the skills to make positive informed choices, that are alternatives to the use of violence and weapons."
The programme has the support of local MP Wendy Moreton, the mayor of Walsall Marco Longhi, the Chief Constable for West Midlands Police Dave Thompson, and Ruchi Joshi, clinical director for Accident & Emergency Care at The Manor Hospital, Walsall.
James was walking near The Croft on June 23 last year when he was attacked by Kahrod in a confrontation that lasted less than 35 seconds.
The killer claimed the act was of self-defence but a jury convicted the teen of murder in February.
Earlier this year lawyers for Kahrod, of Walsall Road, Aldridge, appealed against his 17-year sentence claiming it was too tough.
But senior judges quashed the appeal, and ruled the sentence was justified for a murder committed by an offender who had taken a knife onto the streets.
He must serve the entire 17 years before being eligible for parole.
