Stabbed youth's family 'let down'

Jason Spencer died from a stab wound to the chest

The family of a Nottingham teenager murdered three weeks ago say the local victim support service has failed them.

Jason Spencer, 17, was stabbed earlier this month and died not far from his home in Sherwood, Nottingham.

But his stepfather John Greensmith said the volunteer who came to counsel them broke down in tears.

Victim Support Nottingham said it would investigate the case but added its volunteers were properly trained and complaints were rare.

No-one has been charged in connection with the murder.

Mr Greensmith said the teenager was a "bubbly, happy lad" who was not involved in drugs or crime.

We are devastated that Jason's family feel that way. Our volunteers are extremely well trained, supervised and professional about the work they do Chris Wade, Nottingham Victim Support

He said Jason's death hit the family very hard, but he was not satisfied with the help offered by Victim Support.

"I broke down - I cracked up totally at 6 in the morning and I called my family liaison officer who contacted Victim Support.

"There was no help. Bless her - the lady came out and basically broke down herself and I comforted her.

"We thought if that is the help - then what are we going to do now?"

The code of conduct calls for the victims to get priority and help dealing with the courts and police.

Chris Wade, Nottingham Victim Support's area services manager: "We are devastated that Jason's family feel that way. Our volunteers are extremely well trained, supervised and professional about the work they do.

"We use volunteers but they get at least nine days of training - and are hand-picked. A

"Although they are not paid - they are extremely professional people."

The family has left their house because they cannot bear looking at the path where Jason died.

The council has offered to move them to another part of the city - but so far they are living in a hotel.