by Alex Claridge

aclaridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

The father of murder victim Luke Brocklebank has spoken of his year of hell since his son’s death – and his determination to see something positive come out of it.

Barrie Brocklebank, 64, says he would be willing to go into schools to talk to young people about the world of knife crime and drugs Luke was sucked into.

Luke was 26 when he was stabbed in an alleyway behind Sturry Road on April 16 last year.

His killer, a south London drug runner called Ikikibiya Manuel, was convicted of murder and ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years in prison.

One year on Mr Brocklebank, of Shipman Avenue, Canterbury, opened his heart about his son's murder.

He said: “We celebrated Luke’s birthday and then we celebrated the anniversary of his death five days later and to be honest, we struggled through them just like we have struggled through the last year.

“Luke and I were so close and this first year has just been so incredibly hard.”

Mr Brocklebank, family members and friends held a bonfire and barbecue to celebrate what would have been his 27th birthday.

Five days later saw family travel to Chartham and to St Mary’s Church where Luke’s grave is and where his funeral took place in June.

Mr Brocklebank is now considering how he can use the torment of the last year to some positive effect by speaking to youngsters.

“I think they’ll listen to me,” he said.

“After all, I feel more confident in myself now and I have something to say, something important.

“It won’t be something robotic or learnt out of a book, but it will be something delivered with true feeling.

“I have something to say and it is something people will listen to.”

As well as his father, Luke left behind his son Liam, six, his sister Lola and her children, aged four and three, and his mother Tina Denby.