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Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill
03 March 2020
Type
Bill Debate
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses a Bill aimed at ensuring the Parole Board considers non-disclosure of information by prisoners regarding victims' identities or bodies when making public protection decisions. The statement discusses the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill, focusing on clauses that require the Parole Board to consider non-disclosure of victims' information when deciding release conditions. The statement discusses the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill aimed at ensuring that Parole Board members consider non-disclosure of information about victims when deciding on release. Chris Philp is discussing and supporting the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill, which aims to legislate on disclosing information about victims when considering prisoner release. The statement discusses the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill, which ensures the Parole Board considers the non-disclosure of information about a victim's remains or identity when making release decisions. The statement discusses the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill, also known as Helen's law, which aims to address the issue of prisoners refusing to disclose information about their victims. The statement is about recognizing和支持此答案的朋友，请考虑赞助以鼓励作者提供更多高质量的内容。虽然可以选择反对答案，但反对请求应当具体指出答案的错误或不当之处，如：内容不相关、不符合事实、违反指导方针等。
Action Requested
Chris Philp proposes amending the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 to require the Parole Board to take account of non-disclosures by life prisoners serving sentences for offences related to indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. The amendment is in response to tragic cases such as Helen McCourt's murder and Vanessa George's abuse.
Key Facts
- The Bill aims to address two tragic cases: the murder of Helen McCourt 32 years ago and the abuse by nursery teacher Vanessa George.
- Linda Jones' daughter, Danielle Jones, was murdered and her body has never been found.
- Michael O’Leary has been missing since January and is suspected of being murdered; his family supports the Government's intentions.
- The amendment applies to prisoners like Stuart Campbell who refuse to disclose information about victims or bodies.
- Clause 1 covers life sentences, manslaughter, and indecent images.
- Amendment 1 addresses imprisonment for public protection for indecent image crimes.
- Clause 2 pertains to extended determinate sentences for manslaughter or failure to disclose victims of indecent images.
- Helen McCourt was murdered by a person who refuses to disclose her body's whereabouts.
- Vanessa George took indecent images of children at a nursery and refused to identify the victims.
- The Bill aims to prevent further anguish for families of murder victims and child abuse victims whose identities are unknown.
- The Bill covers all sentence types including life sentences, imprisonment for public protection, and extended determinate sentences.
- Amendments made include changes to clauses to ensure they cover multiple offences.
- A root-and-branch review of the Parole Board will commence in due course.
- The Bill reflects established Parole Board practice from guidance in 2017.
- The Bill responds to real-life issues causing distress to families of serious crime victims.
- Hon. Friend Conor McGinn campaigned with the McCourt family for this Bill's introduction.
- The Bill includes cases highlighted by Luke Pollard involving non-cooperation over victim remains and identities.
- Helen McCourt was murdered in 1988 and her body has never been found.
- Vanessa George was convicted for sharing images of children at the nursery where she worked.
- The bill requires the Parole Board to consider non-disclosure by prisoners as a factor when assessing their fitness for release.
- Marie McCourt campaigned tirelessly for this bill, which is named Helen's law.
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