Killers who fail reveal the whereabouts of their victims' bodies face longer jail terms after Helen's Law passes
A law that could stop killers who refuse to reveal the whereabouts of their victim's being released from prison has gained Royal Assent.
'Helen's Law' (Disclosure of Information About Victims) follows the tireless campaigning of Marie McCourt, mother of Helen McCourt who was murdered in 1988.
Her killer Ian Simms was released from prison this year after 32 years behind bars despite never has revealing her body’s location. Earlier this year the family tried to overturn the Parole Board decision to release him but this was rejected by High Court judges.
Marie McCourt told Granada Reports she was 'devastated' she couldn't prevent Simms release but relieved the law she's campaigned for over the last five years might help other families.
"I feel that I haven't been able to get him back in prison, but at this time, I feel I've done enough."
"I do think Helen will be found one day, and I'll not give up over that."
The law will also to paedophiles who refuse to identify those they abused.
Helen's Law makes it a legal requirement for the Parole Board 'consider the anguish caused by murderers who refuse to disclose the location of a victim’s body when considering them for release'.