THE father of murder victim James Dean has applauded the people of Guernsey for helping to get dangerous weapons off the streets. Chris Dean said he hoped the police knife amnesty had prevented at least one family from going through the anguish and trauma that his continues to experience.

‘If just one knife has been taken off the streets that could have fatally wounded someone then that makes it all worthwhile,’ he said.

‘Unfortunately it’s been highlighted by my son’s murder, but I hope it’s brought the message home so that other families won’t have to go through what mine continues to go through.

‘The point is to not carry a knife when you go out because you could put yourself in a dangerous situation and end up killing someone.

‘The public response has been absolutely incredible. I don’t think anybody would have envisaged at the start of this the sort of quantity that has been handed in.’

A total of 482 knives have been handed in since it started on Wednesday 15 August.

Among them were 30 offensive weapons such as daggers, flick knives and spring-loaded blades, which are prohibited and carry stiff sentences for possession.

There was also a samurai sword and several machetes.

Many had been adapted to cause serious or fatal injuries, such as one knife that featured a shooting blade and a built-in lighter.

Chief of police George Le Page thanked Mr Dean. ‘We are extremely grateful to him and his family for their support, particularly in light of the problems they have experienced.

‘I have been amazed by the variety and lethality of some of these weapons.

‘I commend each and every person who has handed in a knife and also those who have persuaded others to do so. It would have been a result if only a few were disposed of, but to get 482 is a resounding success.

‘This does not mean we will be relaxing our approach out on the streets.

‘We will still be stopping and searching people suspected of carrying offensive weapons and will continue our active stance against this crime. We will not become complacent.’