THE FAMILY of a young man who was murdered in a "cowardly" attack have vowed to campaign against knife crime. 

On Thursday (April 27), Jamie Mitchell, aged 25, was found guilty of murdering Steven Wilkinson in Buckley on October 4, 2022. 

Mr Wilkinson, aged 23, suffered "unsurvivable" injuries after being stabbed by Mitchell - who left him bleeding in an alleyway. 

After the verdict, Mr Wilkinson's family, wearing shirts with Mr Wilkinson's face on them, spoke outside Mold Crown Court. 

They said: "We got the verdict that we wanted and we hope he gets locked up for life. But whatever sentence is imposed, it's never going to bring Steven back.

"Steven was one of those people the like you'd just never meet again. He would never harm anyone and was never in any trouble in his life. He was the most pleasant and nicest people you could ever meet."

"He will be with us every day. We will never stop loving him."

They added: "We want to do all we can to get these knives off the streets. They are taking people's lives away."

  • Keep up-to-date with news from across Wrexham and Flintshire by signing up for Leader newsletters and breaking news email alerts here

Speaking after the verdict, Det. Supt Mark Pierce, the Senior Investigating Officer said: ‘Steven’s family and the investigation team welcome the verdict of the Jury and would like to thank them for their diligent work in what was an extremely upsetting case.

‘I will make further comment after the sentencing hearing next Thursday. In the meantime, I am aware that the end of trial will present the possibility for the release of emotions and anger from those connected to this tragic incident, and the local community.

‘We will continue to support Steven’s family as they begin their difficult journey in moving forward.’