Children Facing Knife Offence Allegations

Join our expert speakers for this webinar to explore:

• How narratives heard in court often differ from the realities children face
• The relevant legal framework and key considerations
• What constitutes exceptional circumstances in knife offence cases
• Practical strategies to achieve better outcomes for children in this sensitive and high-stakes area

This session is essential for lawyers, youth justice professionals, and anyone working with young people in the criminal legal system who wants to ensure fair, informed, and child-first practice.

Speakers

Sayce Holmes-Lewis | Mentivity

Sayce Holmes-Lewis is the dynamic CEO of Mentivity, a mentoring organisation dedicated to education, youth empowerment, racial equity, and social justice. In 2023, his visionary leadership secured over £1.25 million in investments for Mentivity, demonstrating his ability to attract significant financial support to fuel his mission. His expertise has also led to groundbreaking collaborations with global giants like Goldman Sachs, Spotify, Avanade, PPL, Hellman & Friedman, and Sky, harnessing their resources for impactful community empowerment and meaningful social change.

Sayce’s influential network includes relationships with key figures such as the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, MOPAC, the VRU, the Greater London Assembly, and local authorities. As the youngest member on MOPAC’s London Policing Board, he is pioneering systemic reforms aimed at creating safer communities and enhancing police accountability.

His numerous accolades include 'Most Inspirational Person of the Year' at the 2022 MBCC Awards, and the prestigious 125th Anniversary Award from the University of East London for his service to communities. In 2024, he was named one of HSBC UK’s "Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch”.

Beyond advocacy for young people, Sayce is a champion for social value in the built environment. His relentless dedication to dismantling systemic inequities while fostering social mobility and economic equity positions him as a formidable force for structural transformation. Through his tireless efforts, Sayce is reshaping community development and setting a new benchmark for inclusive growth and social justice across sectors.

Kelly Duggan | Tower Hamlets & City of London YJS

With over 20 years of dedicated service in youth justice and community safety, Kelly Duggan is a highly experienced leader specializing in youth offending, serious youth violence, and multi-agency partnerships. Currently serving as Head of Youth Justice and Partnerships at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Kelly oversees strategic delivery of youth justice and young people’s services. Prior to this, she held senior leadership roles within Tower Hamlets and Hackney, including as Team Leader across both Gangs and Court teams at Hackney’s Youth Offending Service.

Aika Stephenson | Just for Kids Law

Aika founded Just for Kids Law alongside Shauneen Lambe in 2006 and remains the Legal Director. She is a solicitor and youth justice expert with 20 years experience representing young people in criminal proceedings. Aika started her career working for the Children’s Society at Feltham Young Offenders Institute as an Advocate before going on to Westminster Youth Offending Team.

Aika represents young people at every stage of the criminal justice system, from the police station to the Supreme Court. She is driven by a determination to bring about systemic change that benefits all children and young people caught up in the criminal justice system. She has pioneered employing cutting-edge arguments to ensure she gets the best possible results for her young clients, particularly those with special educational needs. She has had a high level of success using the Modern Slavery Act to ensure that vulnerable young people who have been groomed by gangs into selling drugs are recognised as victims, rather than treated as offenders.

Aika is the author of In Their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time.

Cost £15 | Free for YJLC Members (contact info@yjlc.uk for your members' free code)