POLICE and lawyers today warned of the tragic consequences of carrying knives.Detective inspector Martin Wright, from Suffolk police's major investigation team, added: “This is another tragic situation whereby the life of a young man has been lost as a result of another carrying a knife.

Josh Warwick

POLICE and lawyers today warned of the tragic consequences of carrying knives.

Detective inspector Martin Wright, from Suffolk police's major investigation team, added: “This is another tragic situation whereby the life of a young man has been lost as a result of another carrying a knife.

“People need to reflect upon this case and the consequences for all involved when considering carrying a weapon.”

Peter Gair, crown advocate and reviewing lawyer in the case, said: “Mr Botterill had indicated at an early stage that he accepted he was guilty of manslaughter, but he always denied any intent to kill and claimed he was therefore not guilty of murder. I felt the evidence pointed at this being a murder and the jury agreed.

“Contrary to what he told the police after his arrest, Mr Botterill deliberately armed himself with a knife before going to the home of Zak Brown in the early hours of September 10, 2007.

“Following a struggle he stabbed Mr Brown in the heart, causing a fatal injury.

“This case demonstrates once again that those who carry knives run the risk of getting themselves in a position where they may use them and, of course, knives are deadly weapons.

“Had Mr Botterill not carried a knife it is entirely possible he may have avoided causing a death.

“He is now serving a life sentence and so will have plenty of time to reflect on his cowardly actions. One would hope that others will take heed.”

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “Suffolk Constabulary is committed to tackling knife-related crime and will take appropriate action against anyone caught with a knife.”

She said a wide range of initiatives are used to prevent offences, such as weapon amnesties and officers working with schools.

She added: “Suffolk police provides conflict management training to door staff of licensed premises, which has been helped by funding from the Home Office. Metal-detecting wands, which door supervisors use to search people entering pubs, clubs and bars, have also been purchased and at key times officers will operate a meet and greet system at licensed premises to discourage criminal offences.

“Anyone who carries a knife will be caught and prosecuted. If you know someone who illegally carries any weapon, please contact police immediately or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”