Mum wants law to change

A campaigner for families who have lost a loved one then suffered an acquittal verdict at a murder trial will set up an expert steering group this month.

Ann Roberts, from Failsworth, the co-founder of Justice After Acquittal, lost her 17-year-old son Simon when he was stabbed through the heart in 2003.

A jury at Manchester Crown Court failed to reach a verdict at the first murder trial, and a second jury cleared the suspect of murder but could not decide on manslaughter.

She says families faced with acquittals suffer a double trauma, and is finding new families want to join the campaign.

She said: “Four families joined in 2008, and the first week in January someone else has added their name.

“It is distressing for me to read their letters, and think of the trauma they have. For myself, I don’t think I will ever have closure.”

Her MP David Heyes, whose Ashton constituency includes Hollinwood and Failsworth, will table a Commons early day motion calling on the Government to change the law to provide for a ‘not decided’ verdict where the jury cannot reach a decision.

He is also urging judicial reviews of such decisions.

The steering group meets for the first time on January 21 and includes Mr Heyes, Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas, and Leicester MP Stephen Dorrell.

He represents the other founder of JAA, Carol Longe, whose daughter was killed, but at the trial a jury returned a not guilty verdict. Mr Dorrell is expected to ask for an adjournment debate on the topic.

Other members include a retired Metropolitan Police commander, and a law professor.

Mrs Roberts said: “The main aim of JAA continues to be the right for a judicial review for those families who have been through the trauma of injustice again after a murder trial.

“I am encouraged that people have come together to form a steering group. They are experts in their field and interested enough to invest their time.”