England: Helen’s Law to deny recalcitrant murderers parole

Named after Helen McCourt – murdered in 1988 – whose killer has never revealed her whereabouts, ‘Helen’s law’ will place a legal duty on the Parole Board to reflect the failure to disclose the site of a victim’s remains when considering a prisoner’s suitability for release.

The move follows the campaign of Helen’s mother, Marie McCourt, to see the law changed and comes after recent meetings with her MP Conor McGinn and Mr Gauke.

Mr Gauke said: “It is a particular cruelty to deny grieving families the opportunity to lay their murdered loved one to rest, and I have immense sympathy with Marie McCourt and others in her situation.

“‘Helen’s law’ will mean that the Parole Board must consider this cruelty when reviewing an offender’s suitability for release – which could see them facing longer behind bars.

“The profound grief inflicted on families and friends of the murdered is incalculable. Those responsible should know that if they choose to compound this further through their behaviour, they will be held accountable.”

Parole Board guidance is already clear that offenders who withhold information may still pose a risk to the public and could therefore face longer in prison.

‘Helen’s law’ will for the first time make it a legal requirement to consider this withholding of information when making a decision on whether to release an offender.