AN anti-knife campaigner has offered his help and support to a Flintshire family after the murder of a popular young man.

The Leader reported last week how Jamie Mitchell, aged 25 and of Lexham green Close in Buckley, received a life sentence for murdering Steven Wilkinson in the town.

A Jury had heard over the recent weeks how on October 4 last year, a smashed window caused Mitchell to take up a kitchen knife and run out onto the streets with it, searching for those he believed responsible.

He told the court he'd taken the knife with him because he was "scared" people were outside and he was about to be ambushed - adding he'd never intended to use it.

READ MORE: Jamie Mitchell sentenced for murder of Steven Wilkinson in Buckley

Following the sentencing Danny Maddocks, from Wrexham, has spoken out again about the impact knives can have.

His brother Craig Maddocks was murdered in a knife attack at the Cambrian Vaults pub, Wrexham, in June 2013. He was 34.

Danny has campaigned against the carrying of blades ever since.

He said: "Some say they carry a knife to use it as protection - but that's not an excuse. 

"You don't need a knife to protect yourself.

"If you think you're being threatened, walk away or speak to the police.

"The worst thing you can do it just grab a knife and chase people; what goes through your mind to do that?"

The Leader: Jamie Mitchell (NWP)Jamie Mitchell (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)

Following the Jury's guilty verdict for Mitchell, Mr Wilkinson's family paid tribute to him outside court and vowed to fight against knife crime.

After seeing the family's statement, Mr Maddocks said he wanted to offer his help and experience, should they need support.

"I want to reach out to Steven's family," he said.

"If they need to speak about anything, if they want to speak about campaigning or be pointed in the right direction, I am here to help them.

"The more people campaign about this, the better."

Reflecting on his own experiences of following his brother's case through the Crown Courts and the emotional toll it took on his family, he continued: "I feel their pain; it'll never get easier and that's not a nice feeling to have.

READ MORE: Steven Wilkinson's stab wound was 'un-survivable from the moment it was inflicted'

"I send all of my love to them at this hard time, because I know what they have gone through.

"I went through it, going to court for the trial for weeks.

"The way I have found it a bit easier to deal with is speaking about it and campaigning; it helps me to grieve and it might help others.

"I'm willing to help them, even if they just want a chat - I'm here.

"I hope they get all the support they need."

Mr Maddocks continues to work with North Wales Police and the Youth Justice Service to educate schoolchildren about the dangers of knives.

He can be contacted via his Facebook page 'Onthe KnifeEdge.'