Steven Gerrard & pals join campaign to keep knives off the streets

Top football stars have joined the campaign to keep knives off our streets.

England players Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and ex-captain Alan Shearer, have all been shocked by the spate of stabbings across the UK.

And now they are urging youngsters to turn away from crime and harness their aggression in the boxing ring. They are backing a drive called Gloves Not Guns, Gangs or Knives.

Launched by the Amateur Boxing Association of England, it aims to improve facilities for children and get them to leave the streets for the gym.

Striker Michael Owen said: "Boxing teaches kids about controlled discipline, respect and being positive. I'm sure it will help kids from all backgrounds and communities." Sam Rush at ABAE said: "We've all got a part to play - we can make a difference."

Boxing stars Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan have offered to give master classes.

Courts to name and shame teen yobs

Courts will name and shame teen yobs to cut stabbings and youth crime, it was revealed yesterday.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw is urging judges and magistrates to lift restrictions that stop under-18s being identified in the dock.

Youths are usually only named in exceptional cases involving extreme violence.

Mr Straw said: "We want to divert young people away from crime so they are not unnecessarily drawn into the criminal justice system."
Naming and shaming is just one of the measures in the Youth Crime Action Plan to cut the numbers ending up before the courts.
They will be expected to say sorry, make amends to victims and do unpaid community work instead.