Support grows for ‘Helen’s Law Part 2’
Senedd Members from across the political divide have united to call for legislative reforms that would strengthen justice and provide greater dignity for victims and their families affected by the most serious of crimes.
Known as ‘Helen’s Law Part 2’, campaigners are hoping to make the desecration of a body an offence, believing there is currently a gap in the existing legislation that causes profound and lasting harm.
Helen’s Law requires the parole board to consider whether convicted murderers have disclosed the location of their victim’s remains or whether a sex offender had identified the victims of their crimes when making parole decisions.
Introduced in January 2021, Helen’s Law is named after Helen McCourt, a 22-year-old woman from Merseyside who was abducted, raped and murdered in 1988 while walking home from work.
Despite being convicted of her murder, Helen’s killer has never disclosed where her body was hidden. More than three decades later, Helen’s remains have never been recovered.
The non-disclosure continues to cause significant and life-long distress to the victim’s family.
Campaigners in support of Helen’s Law Part 2 argue the legislation should be strengthened and believe the desecration of a body should be made a criminal offence.
As the law does not specifically decriminalise discretion, there is currently no clear deterrent to prevent these unimaginable acts, often attempted by perpetrators to try and avoid justice.
Lesley Griffiths MS is a supporter of Helen’s Law Part 2 and took part in a Senedd debate on the subject brought forward by Cefin Campbell MS.
She said: “I recognise this is an incredibly harrowing subject. Fortunately, it is something many of us will not ever have to contemplate but it remains a very important issue and it does affect families in Wales.
“Helen’s Law makes it harder for killers to be released if they refuse to reveal where they hid their victim’s body.
“However, while this is an important step forward, it does not address what happens when a perpetrator deliberately conceals, destroys or desecrates a victim’s body. These horrific acts inflict enduring trauma for families and is a continuing form of harm.
“Helen’s Law Part 2 would seek to close the gap in the legislation.”
During the Members Debate, Senedd Members highlighted ‘Charlotte’s Law’ which looks set to be introduced by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
This proposed legislation – named after murder victim Charlotte Murray – would encourage killers to volunteer information about where victims’ remains are. Those who refuse to disclose information would serve longer sentences.
Lesley Griffiths MS added: “While criminal law is ultimately the responsibility of the UK Government, Charlotte’s Law in Northern Ireland demonstrates what we can do here in Wales in order we are able to promote dignity and justice for victims and their families.
“I am pleased the Senedd is united on this important issue and I encourage the Welsh Government to work closely with the UK Government to see what further legislative changes can be brought forward.”
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