The Victims and Courts Bill has received Royal Assent. Under the new law, the 28-day limit for Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) appeals has been replaced with a six-month window, giving families the vital time they need to seek justice. There is also a new Legal Duty to ensure victims are informed of this right.
“This is an historic moment, and this huge achievement is in memory of my darling Josh’s short life and the many victims and bereaved families who have been denied true justice,” said Tracey Hanson CEO, The Josh Hanson Trust. “We won together, and this Act is a monumental victory for every victim and bereaved family who has ever been ‘left in the dark’ by the justice system.
“Sadly, I am very disappointed that it will not be known as Josh’s Law. To us though, despite its official title, it will always be Josh’s Law. I shall keep fighting for victims until there is true parity in the criminal justice system.”
MP Blake Stevenson who supported with The Josh Hanson Trust for this amendment, added:
“Tracey has campaigned tirelessly over the last seven years to reform the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme to strengthen the rights of victims and bereaved families under the scheme. Through The Josh Hanson Trust, she has worked to support bereaved families and victims and reduce the impact of violent crimes in the memory of her son, Josh.
“I spoke in the debate to highlight Tracey’s work and to speak in favour of amendments to the Bill from the House of Lords. These positive steps forward for victims’ rights are only happening because of Tracey’s campaign, built on years of research and collaboration with academics, campaigners, and
legislators.”
Pictured: Tracey Hanson (right) at the Houses of Parliament with Blake Stephenson MP on the day the Victims and Court Bill received royal assent.
