Statement from the PCC after man convicted of manslaughter following fatal stabbing

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “All my thoughts are with the family of Cameron Hamilton. I know this verdict will not end their profound grief and loss, but I hope it will bring some small comfort that the person responsible for Cameron’s death has rightly faced justice.

“Cameron’s death sent shockwaves through the town and rightly prompted serious conversations around the issue of knife crime. He was a young man who had his whole life ahead of him, and I am absolutely determined that all agencies must work together to prevent this devastating loss from happening to another family.

“Work to ensure our county is the safest place is relentless. Incidents involving knives and weapons rightly cause alarm, but I would reassure people in Dorset that we have one of the lowest rates of knife crime. However, I want to be clear, that while young people continue to pick up a knife for any reason, there is still work to do.

“Lastly, I would like to thank all the officers and staff at Dorset Police who have worked so hard to bring this case to court. Their efforts to make sure the person responsible for Cameron’s death was held accountable for his actions has shown an exceptional level of dedication and professionalism.”