Helen's Law: killers who conceal victims remains could face parole refusal
Murderers who withhold information about where their victims are buried could face longer prison sentences as part of a new bill.
The government pledge was set out in the Queen's Speech and follows a campaign named after Helen McCourt from Merseyside who was murdered in 1988. The insurance clerk vanished on her way home from work. Pub landlord Ian Simms was convicted on DNA evidence of her abduction and murder. He has never revealed where Helen's body is.
The Queen said: ''Proposals will be brought forward to ensure that victims receive the support they need and the justice they deserve. Laws will be introduced to ensure that the parole system recognises the pain to victims and their families caused by offenders refusing to disclose information relating to their crimes [Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill].''
Helen's mother has campaigned tirelessly to make sure that convicted killers who refuse to reveal where their victim's remains are will not be given parole.
"Helen's Law" will place a legal duty on the Parole Board to reflect the failure to disclose the location of a victim’s remains when considering a prisoner’s suitability for release.