MP reveals teenage rape ordeal behind new parental law

Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones (Ben Whitley/PA) Ben Whitley

The Government has introduced justice reforms designed to restore public confidence in the legal system through new protections for crime victims. The Victims and Courts Bill includes measures to restrict parental rights for rapists whose children were born through rape.

The legislation also brings in similar powers to limit parental responsibility for those sentenced to four or more years in prison for serious child sexual abuse, even when they are not the parents of the victims. These changes aim to prevent convicted criminals from using parental rights to continue controlling or tormenting their victims.

Sentencing attendance reforms

Criminals who refuse to attend their own sentencing hearings will face additional prison time under the new measures. The reform addresses cases where offenders avoid facing their victims during the crucial sentencing process.

Cheryl Korbel, whose nine-year-old daughter Olivia was murdered by Thomas Cashman in August 2022, was present in the public gallery during parliamentary proceedings. Cashman had refused to appear at his sentencing, denying Korbel the chance to "look him in the eye" when he was jailed for a minimum of 42 years in April 2023.

Minister outlines victim-centred approach

Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones said the Bill represents a fundamental shift towards victim-centred justice. "This Bill is about people. Victims who have suffered unimaginable trauma, their families, and ensuring that they receive justice," she told the Commons.

Davies-Jones described the justice system as requiring "large-scale reform after years of neglect" but emphasised that the Bill "takes an important step forward." She added that the reforms put victims' experiences at the core, ensuring "their voices are heard, that their needs are recognised, and that their rights are respected."

Personal story drives legislative change

The minister paid tribute to Natalie Fleet, Labour MP for Bolsover, crediting her with inspiring the clause limiting rapists' parental rights. Fleet was groomed by an older man as a teenager, leading to her giving birth to her eldest daughter aged 15.

Davies-Jones praised Fleet's "bravery" and said the amendment will "protect children" while shielding victims "from their perpetrator interfering in their lives." She described working with Fleet as "genuinely my privilege" and expressed awe at the "enormous complexity that mothers such as her face in this situation."

MP confronts rape reality

Fleet welcomed the Government's plan, stating it ensures "rapists will no longer have access to children conceived by their crimes." She told the Commons: "It puts the rights of survivors above the rights of criminals. It protects mummies and their precious babies."

Fleet delivered a stark warning about the prevalence of rape in society. "For too long, we have told ourselves that rape only happens in far-away countries, that 'it's a recent crime that arrives on boats'," she said, adding that rape is "happening here and now just as much as it always has."

She urged affected women to seek support: "If you are one of the women affected by this law change, I ask you to tell somebody that you love and trust. I want you to give them the opportunity to readily believe you and embrace their chance to support you."

Support for sentencing reforms

Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley (Labour) backed the sentencing attendance measures, declaring: "This law is for Olivia Pratt-Korbel and other victims." She criticised the current system where "the ball is in the criminal's court and they can choose to opt out of attending their own sentencing."

Midgley described Cashman's refusal to attend as "an act of a coward" and praised Cheryl Korbel's campaign efforts. She said knowing an offender has heard the impact of their crimes can give victims a "small semblance of justice and closure."

The Bill could pass through the Commons on Monday evening, marking a significant step in the Government's justice reform agenda.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).