Knife crime pledge issued by police inspector after two stabbings in Newark

After two separate stabbings in town over the last week, the area’s Inspector has made a pledge to keep knife crime down.

“While knife crime offences are thankfully rare for Newark, we have a lot planned to keep it that way,” is the message from Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood.

A murder investigation was launched when 40-year-old James Cook was fatally stabbed in Castlegate, at 11.53pm on Wednesday, April 30.

Brandon Byrne, 22, of Winston Court, Newark, has been charged with murder, and attended Nottingham Crown Court earlier today (May 6).

He has been remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance.

Just days after Mr Cook was fatally injured, a man suffered a slash wound to his neck after being stabbed inside a property in Northgate, at around 6pm on Saturday, May 3.

His injuries aren’t believed to be life-altering.

Ramis Cetin, 61, has subsequently been identified and charged with wounding with intent.

Cetin, of Northgate, appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 5, where he was remanded in custody ahead of a Nottingham Crown Court appearance on June 2.

Inspector Ellam has promised to step up visible police patrols across the area over the coming days and nights to offer reassurance after recent events and help deter criminals.

“I’d firstly like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Cook following the tragic loss of their loved one just under a week ago,” said Inspector Ellam.

“The level of violence demonstrated — not just in that attack but during the separate assault over the weekend too — was completely unacceptable, so it’s good to see action has been taken in the form of suspects being charged and brought before the courts.

“While these two stabbings were very different from one another and completely unconnected, I appreciate news of both will have caused some concern to the public.

“In response to this, we will be providing more of a police presence across Newark through additional patrols — all with the intention of deterring crime and providing some reassurance.

“Our officers will also look to exercise stop and search powers wherever appropriate, while they will be out and about providing a visible presence during the night time economy and working closely with licenced premises to identify any criminal activity.

“In line with other neighbourhood policing teams, we will also be running a few targeted activities during the upcoming national knife crime week of action, Sceptre, which runs from May 19 to 25.

“Knife crime offences are thankfully quite rare for Newark, and we want to keep it that way.

“We’re fully aware though that even one incident of this nature is too many, so our officers will always look to take action against anyone deemed to be involved in this type of violent behaviour.”