A GRESFORD man whose brother was brutally stabbed to death is urging people to let their aggression out constructively rather than carrying weapons.

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

Almost eight years on, his brother Danny Maddocks continues to campaign against the carrying of blades.

The 37-year-old is now a trained 'Knifesaver' - having completed training to deal with life threatening injuries caused by knives - and is urging others to do the same.

Following the launch of Operation Sceptre 2021, a national police anti-knife initiative, he told the Leader: "When I see incidents on the news about people being stabbed, it brings everything back.

"This is still happening and not just in North Wales.

"I don't want other people to go through what my family did - the impact on us and on the village was huge and it's still there.

"It was heartbreaking. My brother was a really well known character in Llay and he was a good boxer. "Usually now, I tell people to put down the knife and put on the gloves.

"There's no need to carry or use a knife; get in the boxing gym and take out your aggression there."

Danny Maddocks

Danny Maddocks

Speaking of his training, he said: "I have been doing a lot with the organisation Knifesavers and I have passed their course.

"They do a 'Knifesaving pack' which is like a first aid kit but it has what you need to treat knife wounds. "I am trying to encourage people in North Wales and the North West to do this training and get a pack - especially in the bars and pubs because it could save someone's life.

"I have also starte a Facebook page called 'On The Knife Edge' where I share information to push it on social media too.

"When I tell people about Craig, and our family's experience, they are shocked. "It has been eight years since he passed away and speaking to people about it helps me - it gets my emotions out.

"There isn't a day goes by when I don't think about him.

"I'm still waiting for his call on a Friday to ask me to go for a pint."