Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review

30 November 2022 · 3 other contributors · 6,655 words

Opened by Rachel Maclean Con Redditch

Responding minister: Not recorded

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rachel Maclean raised concerns about domestic homicide sentencing review in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • The hon. Member is concerned about insufficient sentencing for male perpetrators in domestic homicide cases.
  • The hon. Member notes that sentences for domestic homicide cases are often lighter compared to cases involving other locations.
  • The hon. Member asks the Government to publish the Clare Wade review and respond to its recommendations swiftly.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member asks the Government to publish the Clare Wade review and respond to its recommendations swiftly. She enquires about specific actions regarding premeditation issues, rough sex as a defence, and training provisions for those involved in the criminal justice process. The hon. Member also requests consideration of her colleague's private Member's Bill that seeks to amend sentencing codes.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rachel Maclean Con Redditch

The hon. Member is concerned about the sentencing disparity in domestic homicide cases, particularly highlighting that sentences for male perpetrators are often seen as insufficiently reflective of the severity and impact of their crimes on victims and families. She mentions specific cases such as Poppy Devey Waterhouse and Ellie Gould's killers receiving comparatively lighter sentences than what would be given if a weapon was taken to another location. The hon. Member also notes that overkill is overlooked in sentencing, adding trauma for bereaved family members.

Other contributors (3)
  • Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich

    Ms Reeves expressed concern over the disparity in sentencing for domestic homicide compared to street murders, highlighting that a perpetrator who uses a weapon readily available at home receives a lighter sentence than one who brings a weapon from outside. She cited statistics showing 62% of female homicides were committed by intimate partners and 72% occurred in homes where victims had experienced coercive control or violence previously. Ms Reeves also mentioned the case of Poppy Devey Waterhouse, arguing that sentencing guidelines should reflect the severity of crimes rather than their location.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Mr. Jim Shannon discussed the issue of domestic homicide sentencing reviews, highlighting statistics from Northern Ireland where over 61% of victims had vulnerabilities such as mental health issues or drug and alcohol problems. He noted that Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates in Europe for women killed by domestic violence per capita and stressed the need for improved sentencing to reflect the severity of these crimes.

  • John Cryer Ind Leyton

    I agree with the previous speaker and place on record a case from Leyton where Linah Keza was murdered by her former partner in an unprovoked attack. The police repeatedly ignored threats to Ms Keza, including one that was recorded.

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