Hull’s stabbing murder was a “never-ending nightmare” for the grieving mum

Shira Javaid says her son was the ‘most caring person’

BBC Shira Javaid has a serious expression on her face as she looks towards the camera. She has long, wavy black hair and wears a black top, large dark-rimmed glasses, and a silver necklace with pendants. — Shira Javaid says her son was the ‘most caring person’

The mother of a student stabbed to death by his roommate has spoken of her “never-ending nightmare.”

Shira Javaid said her son Sachin Hawkins, 19, is still “numb” almost a year on. murdered by Syed Hussain-Kazi in their shared home in Hull.

She spoke to the BBC to support the launch of a police campaign to tackle knife crime.

“The grief and emotional damage you cause cannot be undone. Don’t let a blinding moment of anger destroy everyone’s life,” she added.

Humberside Police’s ‘What is it about”, follows six knife deaths in the area of operation in the last 18 months.

This comes as an emergency medicine consultant warns that the difference between causing minor injuries and serious injuries with a knife is simply ‘blind luck’.

Andrew Blackmore, who works at Hull Royal Infirmary, said too many young people were admitted to hospital with stab wounds and the problem was affecting staff’s mental health.

Sachin Hawkins was in his second year at the University of Hull and wanted to become a special education teacher

Family photo Head and shoulders photo of Sachin Hawkins. He has short black hair, a short beard and mustache, and smiles with his mouth closed. He wears half-rimmed glasses, a blue jacket and a white shirt. — Sachin Hawkins was in his second year at the University of Hull and wanted to become a special education teacher

Hawkins died on November 15, 2023, after he was stabbed in the chest at a home on Hardy Street.

Hussain-Kazi, 25, attacked him with a 15cm kitchen knife after an argument over music.

Ms Javaid, who lives in the US, described her son as a “cheerful” and “happy” person.

“He was the most caring person you would ever meet,” she said.

“Next month will mark one year since Sachin’s death.

“Every day I wake up and think this can’t be real.

“I can’t believe someone took my son away and why?

The killer has a previous conviction for a 2019 knifepoint street robbery and Hull Crown Court heard he had a “fascination with knives”.

Ms Javaid is now calling for background checks and mental health checks on new students.

“No Control”

Dr. Blackmore said that people carrying blades risk ruining their own lives and the lives of others.

“If you stab someone else, you have no real control over the damage you might cause,” he said.

“You may not want to kill someone, but it could happen.

“It depends on where someone was stabbed and what path the blade took.

“The person wielding this blade has no real control over it.”

He warned that too often medical staff see the unintended consequences of knife crime.

Staff support was provided following “major, traumatic” incidents.

“It actually has quite a psychological effect on people,” he added.

Dr Blackmore says it is ‘shocking’ that young people who are otherwise fit and well need trauma care

Andrew Blackmore looks serious as he sits in a hospital room, surrounded by medical equipment. He has short red hair and wears a gray apron. — Dr Blackmore says it is ‘shocking’ that young people who are otherwise fit and well need trauma care

According to the Office for National Statistics in England and Wales, over 50,000 knife crimes were reported in the 12 months to March 2024 in England and Wales, including 900 in the Humberside force area.

Humberside Police’s campaign is being supported by several bereaved families, including relatives of both 32-year-old Tom Gaughan, who stabbed on a night out in Cleethorpes last July and Jack Howes, 29 he suffered fatal knife wounds and was left dying in Grimsby Street.

Det Supt Al Curtis, who is leading the campaign, said most knife incidents involved “household items” that were used “in a moment of madness” with “fatal consequences”.

“Whether you find yourself in a confrontational situation at home or you are considering carrying a knife for your own safety, ask yourself what is the point? One knife affects more than one life,” he added.

He urged people to donate their knives as part of Operation Scepter, a national knife amnesty that begins on November 11.

“Nurses in Tears”

As part of the campaign, families talked about their experiences with the powerful film.

Sarah Kellaway, the paramedic who tried to save Hawkins, also took part in the operation.

She described Hawkins’ death as “the most senseless thing in the world.”

“In this moment of anger, we are dealing with the death of a 19-year-old,” she said.

“He had two friends at the scene who were absolutely terrified and were desperately trying to help him.

“You have the person who stabbed him in the first place who has now ruined his life.

“Then Sachin’s family will never be the same again.

“It’s also depressing for us. No matter how professionally we try to handle it, it is a job I will always think about.

“The nurses were crying… it was terrible.”

Listen to the most important moments from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Soundswatch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should cover Here.