Relatives’ right to attend a UK parole hearing could lead to a “revival”

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Commissioner of Victims of England and Wales, Dame Vera BairdWarned that a new law giving relatives of the murdered people the right to attend a parole hearing could lead to their “revival.”

the government Victim billAnnounced after the Queen’s Speech last month, “We aim to improve the victim’s experience so that they feel better supported throughout the criminal justice process.”

Victims are entitled to attend parole hearings and ask questions when prisoners are deemed suitable for release.

David McGreavy, who killed three young children in Worcester’s house in 2019 and 1973 and pressed himself against a spike fence, was released from prison despite opposition from his mother, Elsie Urry. rice field.

The judge who presides over the parole committee hearing should consider the views of the victims before making a decision to release the murderer or other serious offender.

The bill has been scrutinized by the House of Commons’ Judiciary Selection Committee, and on Tuesday Baird was scrutinized by Nicole Jacobs, a domestic violence committee member in England and Wales, and Dame Rachel de Souza, Claire, a children’s committee member in England. I was invited to submit evidence with Waxman. , Commissioner of Victims in London.

Mr. Baird believed that the victim or his relatives should be allowed to attend the parole hearing, but she said: And the real worry is that people may be stepping into the resurrection experience by listening to everything on one side when they don’t expect it. “

She said that all that was needed was that police victim liaison officers, who usually help families during the course of the trial, would have to re-engage in the parole hearing, which could be very costly. It will be a huge burden. “

Jacobs said: “This bill has many benefits, but not enough.”

She said the victims’ code, as stipulated in the bill, needs to have “more teeth” to get police and other agencies to book “chronic failures.” ..

Waxman criticized the bill’s definition of “victim.”

She states: “The main exclusions are relatives and bereaved families who are outside the definition of the bill. This is very confusing and counterintuitive. This is a very big abbreviation.”

Waxman also sought further support for those whose loved ones were murdered abroad and experienced “unimaginable trauma.”

The bill provides the victim with the opportunity to challenge the decision not to prosecute and guarantees that the proceedings of the proceedings will be notified throughout the process.

Also, a 20% increase in fines for additional victims paid by convicted criminals could raise £ 20 million ($ 25 million) by 2025, supporting rape. Used to fund the center.

Chris Summers

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Chris Summers is a UK-based journalist with a particular interest in crime, police and law, covering stories from a wide range of countries.

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