The Sun backs demands to close loophole allowing killer dads to control their kids’ lives from prison
THE Sun is today backing demands for ministers to close a legal loophole that allows killer dads to control their kids’ lives from prison.
PM Rishi Sunak is facing calls from campaigners and MPs across the political divide to end the “offensive” rights given to fathers who are behind bars for killing their partner.
Our campaign is in memory of Jade Ward, whose killer Russell Marsh still has input into the lives of their four young children.
We are calling for them to be automatically removed from having parental rights the moment they are found guilty of their crime.
Distressingly, under current rules, children can still be stopped from travelling abroad by their dads in jail, who can also demand to see school reports and medical records.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk is looking at law change options, with families currently facing costly legal process to remove rights.
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But ex-Minister Caroline Nokes, who is chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, last night said: “It is disgraceful a man convicted of murder can exert parental rights over his children from a prison cell.
“I urge ministers to close this loophole to stop this control over innocent lives. Children and the surviving family members should not have to suffer further damage from the actions of a killer who chose to commit a heinous crime.
“Every decent person in this country will find the status quo offensive. It's wrong and we have to get rid of it."
Teresa Parker, from Women's Aid, said: “Sadly, this family’s plea serves as another example of domestic abuse and its impact on children not being treated with the gravity it deserves.
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"Our legislation and the family justice system must centre around the best interests and safety of the children at the heart of each case, instead of focusing so heavily on maintaining parental contact at all costs and responsibility – especially in cases of domestic abuse.
"Compounded by the fact that we are still waiting for the long-promised review of the presumption of parental involvement, this demonstrates just how much work remains to be done when it comes to improving the understanding of domestic abuse and ensuring a safe, compassionate response to child survivors.”
Jade’s parents Karen, 52, and Paul, 56, want the PM to see it “from the family’s perspective”. Karen added: “If we had the money to go to court and fight this ourselves, we would.”
Former minister Caroline Nokes, who is chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, said: “It is disgraceful that a man convicted of murder can exert parental rights over his children from a prison cell.”
Labour will put down an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill — currently going through Parliament — and demand the Government backs it. It would ensure killer dads lose parental responsibility.
Labour’s Shadow Justice Minister Ellie Reeves said: “We must end this revolting situation. Every day of government inaction is another day that vulnerable children are left unprotected from further harm.”
Tory MP Paul Maynard, who sits on the Justice Select Committee, said: “As we learn more about coercive control and emotional abuse and find new examples, it’s important the Government keeps up to date.”
A government spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Jade Ward.
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“Judges are required to put the welfare of children first and can effectively remove all rights and powers from a parent who has murdered the other.
"We have also asked the Family Procedure Rule Committee to look into also looking at how the processes for applying to restrict parental responsibility can be made simpler and quicker for families.”