Campaign for Tougher Sentences Launched by Victims' Families
Families of crime victims unite to push for sentencing reforms to ensure justice for victims and their loved ones.
A new campaign group calling for tougher sentences for serious offenders has been launched by families who have lost loved ones to violent crimes. The group, Justice for Victims, was formed to challenge sentencing policies and advocate for justice that truly reflects the severity of the crimes committed.
Glenn Youens, whose four-year-old daughter Violet-Grace was killed in a hit-and-run in 2017, is among those leading the campaign. Violet-Grace was struck by a stolen car travelling at 80mph in a 30mph zone. The driver fled the scene and later received a prison sentence that lasted just months longer than Violet’s life. Glenn and his wife, Becky, have campaigned for stricter penalties for dangerous drivers, resulting in legislative changes that allow life sentences for killer drivers, though such sentences are rarely imposed.
“Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of Violet-Grace’s tragic death and we find ourselves still fighting for justice,” Glenn said. “Violet-Grace was in the right place at the right time—it was her killers who were in the wrong place. They took her life without giving her a second chance, yet criminals like these are nearly always given another opportunity after serving their so-called sentences.”
Justice for Victims was formed after Glenn and Becky, along with other bereaved families, were introduced by Dr Kieran Mullan MP. The group aims to highlight cases where families believe sentencing has failed to deliver justice and to lobby for change. Today, they are meeting with cross-party MPs, including Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones and Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch, to press for sentencing reforms.
“We hope that everyone who agrees will stand with us and support this campaign,” Glenn added. “Nothing will ever bring Violet-Grace back, but we are fighting in her memory. Her legacy must be real justice for other families who must endure the unimaginable loss we live with every single day.”
Other founding members include Jeremy and Susan Everard, whose daughter Sarah was murdered while walking home; Katie Brett, whose 16-year-old sister Sasha was brutally murdered; Ayse Hussein, whose cousin was killed by a serial sex offender; and Paula Hudgell, who campaigns for tougher sentences for child abusers after her adopted son, Tony, suffered life-changing injuries due to abuse.
The group has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support its efforts and is calling on the public to back its push for sentencing changes.
Dr Mullan, who helped bring the group together, said, “For too long, our sentencing system has not given enough consideration to what victims, their families, and the wider public would consider justice. Justice for Victims can now play a powerful role in balancing that out.”