Parents of murdered Sarah Everard plea for more whole-life jail terms for worst offenders
THE parents of murdered Sarah Everard want more whole-life jail terms for the worst offenders.
They said the fact her killer will never be freed was some “small comfort”.
Jeremy and Susan Everard are part of the Justice for Victims group, which is launched today.
It wants more whole-life tariffs, which mean a criminal is never eligible for parole, to be handed out as a starting point, rather than in exceptional cases.
Sarah, 33, was abducted, raped and murdered by police officer Wayne Couzens in 2021. He got a whole-life sentence.
Mr and Mrs Everard said: “It made us feel the enormity of his crime was recognised and that our daughter’s life was valued.
“We know of other families in similar circumstances who have not had this small comfort.
“Sentences should truly reflect the seriousness of the crime and give victims, their families and society a sense of justice having been served.”
Paula Hudgell, adoptive mum of double amputee Tony Hudgell, ten, is also part of the group.
Tony had both legs amputated after a sickening assault by his parents. Ms Hudgell said: “I have seen so many cases of child abusers that don’t get a punishment that fits the crime.”
The group believes the views of victims, their families and the public should be given more weight in sentencing policy.
They will meet MPs and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch today.
The Government is set to publish an independent sentencing review in the coming weeks.