New law proposed to restrict parental rights for partner murderers

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 11:58 · Archive

Northern Ireland is proposing legislation to restrict parental responsibility for those convicted of murdering a partner.

Northern Ireland's Finance Minister John O'Dowd has proposed legislation that would automatically restrict the parental responsibility of anyone convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a partner or ex-partner with whom they share children.

The proposal follows Jade's Law in England and Wales, named for Jade Ward, a 27-year-old murdered in 2021 by her estranged partner Russell Marsh. Jade's Law is set to come into force in December. Similar legislation called Valerie's Law exists in the Republic of Ireland, named for Valerie French, a mother of three from County Mayo who was murdered by her husband James Kilroy in 2019.

Belfast Live reports that some 30 families in Northern Ireland have been impacted by this issue over the last six years. Mr O'Dowd said the proposed legislation comes after "several highly distressing domestic homicide cases" in recent years, with children directly exposed to violence, trauma and bereavement.

The proposed law would automatically restrict parental responsibility upon sentencing for murder or voluntary manslaughter. A public consultation will gauge views on whether other serious criminal offences should also be included in the legislation.

Mr O'Dowd stated that he wants to see legislative reform that places children's welfare and victims' rights at its heart. "The safety, welfare and wellbeing of children are among the most fundamental responsibilities of government," he said.

How it is being reported

• New law proposed to restrict parental access for those who murder partnerThose convicted of the murder of a partner could have their parental responsibility for any children they share restricted under a proposed law.News Letter · 10 Nov, 11:45
• New law proposed to restrict parental access for those who murder partnerIt is understood that some 30 families in Northern Ireland have been impacted by this issue over the last six years.Belfast Live · 10 Nov, 11:35
• New law proposed to restrict parental access for those who murder partnerBelfast Telegraph · 10 Nov, 11:28

In this story: John O'Dowd · Jade Ward · Russell Marsh · Valerie French · James Kilroy · Northern Ireland

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log