Victims and their families will soon have an extended period to challenge sentences deemed too lenient for criminals following a significant overhaul. Under the upcoming changes, loved ones will now have six months after a criminal’s sentencing to request harsher penalties, a significant increase from the current 28-day limit. Additionally, a new legal obligation will be implemented to ensure that survivors are informed of their right to contest a sentence.
The initiative has been praised by advocate Tracey Hanson, who has been campaigning for reform since her son Josh, aged 21, was tragically murdered in 2015 by Shane O’Brien, a notorious fugitive in Britain. Tracey was initially unaware of her ability to challenge the sentence given to her son’s killer. Her attempt to appeal was rejected due to being submitted outside of normal business hours on the final day of the 28-day deadline.
Expressing her satisfaction with the forthcoming changes, Tracey, hailing from Bedfordshire, emphasized the importance of ensuring families are not left uninformed or rushed through a distressing process during their darkest moments. She credited these reforms as a tribute to her son Josh’s memory and the unwavering dedication of the supporters of the Josh Hanson Trust.
Katie Brett, who has been advocating for change since her 16-year-old sister Sasha Marsden was brutally murdered by David Minto, shared a similar sentiment. Minto was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 35 years in 2013 for the heinous act. Katie highlighted the distress her family faced when they were only given a limited 28-day window to appeal the sentence, learning of their rights too late.
In commemoration of Sasha’s memory, Katie expressed relief over the extended period of six months for victims and their families to challenge lenient sentences. The new legal obligation to notify families of their rights ensures that no family will be left uninformed, granting every victim the support they deserve.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of granting individuals sufficient time to cope and seek advice after enduring the emotional turmoil of seeking justice. He highlighted that this change allows victims and their families the necessary time to process, discuss with loved ones, and most importantly, obtain the justice they rightfully deserve.
The adjustments will be introduced through amendments to the Victims and Courts Bill currently progressing through Parliament, focusing on the most severe criminal offenses like murder, rape, and robbery.