Victims and their families will now have an extended period to challenge lenient sentences given to criminals as part of a significant reform. Instead of the existing 28-day limit, loved ones will now have six months after a criminal is sentenced to request harsher penalties. Additionally, there will be a new legal obligation to ensure that survivors are informed about their right to contest a sentence.
The initiative has been applauded by advocate Tracey Hanson, who has been advocating for change since her son Josh, 21, was murdered in 2015 by Shane O’Brien, a prominent fugitive. Tracey was initially unaware of her ability to challenge the sentence imposed on her son’s killer. Her application was subsequently denied as it was submitted after office hours on the final day of the 28-day deadline.
According to Tracey from Bedfordshire, “These adjustments signal a hard-won triumph in ensuring that families are not left uninformed or rushed through a distressing process during their most agonizing moments. These reforms honor Josh’s memory and the commitment of everyone who supported the Josh Hanson Trust.”
Katie Brett, whose 16-year-old sister Sasha Marsden was brutally murdered by David Minto, has also been advocating for change. In 2013, Minto was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 35 years for the murder of Sasha, whom he enticed to a hotel under false pretenses. He sexually assaulted and viciously stabbed her, necessitating identification through DNA from her toothbrush.
Katie expressed relief, saying, “Our lives were shattered when my 16-year-old sister Sasha was killed. Like all victims, we had only 28 days to appeal the sentence and were not informed until it was too late. It is comforting that in Sasha’s memory, victims and their families will now have six months to challenge unjust sentences, and the mandatory notification duty will ensure every family is aware of their rights. No family should endure the same confusion we faced; every victim deserves assistance.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stated, “After enduring the ordeal of seeking justice and witnessing the sentencing of the perpetrator, the last thing individuals should worry about is a ticking clock. They need time to process, consult with loved ones, and seek advice. This change grants them the necessary time to do so and, most importantly, obtain the justice they are entitled to.”
These modifications will be implemented through revisions to the Victims and Courts Bill presently under consideration in Parliament. The revised scheme pertains to the most severe criminal offenses, including murder, rape, and robbery.