Mum of Lanarkshire teen murdered by young female killer 'glad' to not have any more kids
The mum of a teenager who was stabbed to death by Scotland's youngest female killer says she is 'glad' she has no other children.
Conner Cowper, 18, was murdered in an unprovoked attack at a house party in Holytown, North Lanarkshire in 2018.
The teenager was stabbed to death by then-17-year-old Jolene Doherty who was jailed for life - the murder made her one of Scotland's youngest female killers.
His devastated mum Linda Fraser and grandmother Janet - who both advocate for knife crime prevention - have appeared on a programme about the rise in youth gang violence.
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During the interview, mum Linda said the rise in gang violence makes her 'glad' she's not got any more children.
The Daily Record reported her saying: “To be honest with you, I’m glad that I’ve not got any more kids. I’d not even let them out to play, never mind grow up.
“It looks as if it’s getting worse. When we were younger, that wouldn’t even cross your head at certain ages. That’s the scary thing. 13-year-olds...you’re still a wean.”
Conner was mercilessly knifed in the neck in April 2018 by Doherty - who had previous for carrying blades and was well known to the authorities.
Doherty was pregnant and high on cocaine and alcohol when she unleashed the attack on Conner, whom she barely knew, and was found laughing by police nearby. She was sentenced to at least 16 years in custody for the “deliberate, brutal, unprovoked and entirely murderous” attack.
Tonight's episode of STV’s Scotland Tonight (8:30pm, September 12, STV) features an exclusive interview with Linda and Janet as they take part in a programme exploring the rise in youth gang violence across Scotland.
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When asked if she feels anything has changed in Scotland since Conner’s murder, mum Linda adds: “No. It looks as if it’s getting worse.
Conner’s grandmother, Janet, adds that it’s a “constant worry” when her two other teenage grandsons go out to socialise.
The grieving family has spoken out as the number of crimes involving the use of weapons in Scotland increased by 20% from September 2019 to September 2023, with factors such as social media, the pandemic, austerity, and the cost-of-living crisis being blamed for the rise.
As well as Linda and Janet Fraser, Scotland Tonight: Growing Up With Gangs features interviews with a range of young people, former gang members, and Justice Secretary, Angela Constance MSP.
Scotland Tonight: Growing Up With Gangs airs at 8:30pm on Thursday, September 12 on STV and STV Player.
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