Magda murder 'has not changed youth crime'

3:17pm Thursday 22nd May 2008

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LOCKING up a 17-year-old boy for the murder of a Polish care worker will have no effect on youth crime, it has been claimed.

Chairman of Hatcham Park Residents' Association, New Cross, Stephen Buckley said problems with youth violence in the area have not changed since the murder of Magda Pniewska.

He said: "Obviously we were very worried at the time about gun crime and everybody still is.

"There's been no improvement here, it's still just as bad. We really need to see more police instead of wardens and the safer neighbourhood team.

"Locking up this boy is going to make absolutely no difference. They've got one kid but don't they realise we've got another hundred running round here?"

But Rev Dr Paul Baiden-Adams, from MCAS Hearts of Love youth organisation in Corelli Road, Blackheath, said police are not the answer to youth violence.

He said: "I think society doesn't want to seriously deal with these kids.

"We have to reach out to them and let them know you don't have to take a life to make yourself heard.

"We need to find long-term solutions to allow them to join in with society."

BUPA, which employed Miss Pniewska at the Manley Court Nursing Home near where she was killed, paid tribute to her after the verdict.

Care homes south east regional director Oliver Thomas said: "We were all deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Magda Pniewska last year.

"Magda was a truly lovely person, dedicated to the care of the elderly people she looked after and she is still hugely missed by her colleagues and residents.

"Our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this very difficult time."