DAVID GAUKE: ‘Helen’s Law will ease the pain of families tortured by their relatives’ killers
Losing a loved one to murder is devastating, but it is especially cruel if the murderer refuses to disclose the location of the victim’s remains.
The not knowing and endless searching, all while their loved one’s killer refuses to cooperate and provide the answers families so desperately seek.
This has been the case for Marie McCourt, who faced the unimaginable pain of her 22-year-old daughter Helen never returning from work and being murdered when her life had barely begun.
This pain was compounded when her murderer refused to reveal any information as to where her body lay, taking away any prospect of closure or a final goodbye.
Jusice Secretary David Gauke, pictured, said ‘losing a loved one to murder is devastating, but it is especially cruel if the murderer refuses to disclose the location of the victim’s remains’
Her family’s additional suffering cannot be right. That is why we are bringing forward ‘Helen’s Law’, campaigned for so heavily and admirably by this newspaper, to ensure the Parole Board must consider this cruelty when reviewing an offender’s suitability for release.
Indeed, there is something particularly wicked for a murderer to exert the little power they have left to manipulate the emotions of a grieving family.
And Marie has dedicated every moment and bit of energy she has in a tireless bid to change the law – making it harder for murderers who refuse to co-operate to ever be released.
After meeting Marie I understood just how awful it is not being able to get this closure. Beyond her personal anguish, she has sacrificed so much to fight for other families in similar circumstances.
Sarah McCourt, pictured, was killed in February 1988 after vanishing on her way home from work. Pub landlord Ian Simms was convicted thanks to DNA evidence
Of course, prison should always seek to rehabilitate people back into society – and we should view reintegration as the primary goal.
However, once introduced, this new legislation should make it clearer than ever that refusal to cooperate with investigations and causing further harm to grieving families could see offenders behind bars for longer.
When a loved one is murdered the least their family deserve is answers and closure.
Marie McCourt may never get this – but her daughter’s life will be honoured for ever.