Victims and their families will soon have an extended period to contest overly lenient sentences given to criminals as part of a significant overhaul. Instead of the current 28-day window, loved ones will now have up to six months after a criminal’s sentencing to request harsher penalties. Additionally, there will be a new legal obligation to ensure that survivors are informed of their right to challenge a sentence.
This reform was praised by activist Tracey Hanson, who has been advocating for change since her son Josh, 21, was murdered in 2015 by Shane O’Brien, a notorious fugitive. Initially unaware of her ability to challenge the sentence imposed on her son’s killer, Tracey’s application was rejected as it was submitted after office hours on the final day of the 28-day deadline.
Expressing her satisfaction with the changes, Tracey, from Bedfordshire, emphasized the necessity of ensuring that families are not kept uninformed or rushed through a distressing process during their most agonizing moments. These revisions serve as a tribute to Josh’s memory and the unwavering commitment of everyone supporting the Josh Hanson Trust.
Katie Brett, whose sister Sasha Marsden was brutally murdered at the age of 16, has also been actively campaigning for similar reforms. Sasha’s killer, David Minto, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 35 years in 2013 for the heinous crime. Katie highlighted the turmoil her family experienced, having only 28 days to appeal the sentence and being notified too late.
In honor of Sasha, Katie expressed relief that victims and their families will now have a more reasonable six-month window to challenge lenient sentences. She also welcomed the new legal requirement for notification, ensuring that every family is informed of their rights to seek justice.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of allowing individuals time to process and seek support after enduring the emotional strain of seeking justice. The upcoming changes, to be incorporated into the Victims and Courts Bill currently under parliamentary review, will primarily focus on the most serious criminal offenses like murder, rape, and robbery.
