Justice Secretary backs The Sun’s campaign to stop monster dads controlling kids in jail

THE Justice Secretary is backing The Sun’s campaign to stop killer dads controlling their children from jail.

Alex Chalk aims to change the law so parents who kill a partner have no say in a child’s life.

And he sympathised with the parents of Jade Ward, 27, murdered by ex Russell Marsh as their four sons slept in Shotton, Flintshire, in 2021.

Marsh, jailed for 25 years, is still able to access the boys’ medical details and can block them from holding a passport.

The Sun wants the loophole closed and Mr Chalk said: “Monsters who kill their partners or ex-partners leave a trail of devastation.

“As families and friends try to rebuild their lives, they should not have to face the added anguish of knowing the brute who murdered their loved one can continue to torment and control them through the courts.

“This is something Jade Ward’s family know all too well. I thank them for their bravery and dedication.

“It should be presumed that when one parent murders another, denying their child of a loving parent, they should not have the right to make decisions on that child’s life.

“There will be exceptions – like victims of domestic violence who lash out after years of abuse – but restricting this privilege should be the norm.

“That is why I am looking to find a quicker way to cut off parental rights for these killers.”

Killer partners could automatically lose their rights over kids once jailed. Or judges may be told to do this at sentencing.

Labour has vowed to pass Jade’s Law if they get to No 10.

Today they will push an amendment to the Victims Bill to force ministers to act now — but with important exceptions for domestic abuse or self- defence cases.