‘Insult’ to Helen’s Law if no-body killer goes free
First test of rule heartbroken mum fought for
KILLER
Razzell has parole hearing in May
CAMPAIGN Marie with photo of her daughter
HELEN’S law, which can deny parole to killers who will not say what they have done with their victims, is to get its first test.
The case of Glyn Razzell, 61, given life in 2003 for killing wife Linda, will be heard in May.
He has shown no remorse and continues to deny his guilt.
Marie McCourt, 77, whose daughter Helen was killed in 1988, campaigned for the new law with the Mirror’s support.
She said: “Until he shows remorse and says what he has done with Linda’s remains he should not be allowed out.
“People want justice for families like mine and Linda’s.
“These killers have committed horrific crimes and made it even worse by not allowing their victims’ families to properly grieve.”
Last year, before the new law came into force, Marie had to endure her daughter’s killer, Ian Simms, being freed without revealing what had become of her body.
Marie said: “Prisoners must prove they are safe before being released. Now Helen’s Law is an extra test to be considered.
“If a killer hasn’t shown remorse by revealing where their victim’s body is, they still pose a risk. It’s an evil form of control and we need to take it away from them.”
Razzell’s hearing will be the first under the new legislation.
His college lecturer wife was last seen on March 19, 2002 after driving to work in Swindon, Wilts. The couple were locked in a divorce battle.
Her mobile phone was found in a nearby alley.
Blood discovered in the boot of Razzell’s car matched the mum-of-four’s DNA.
Razzell, who made several unsuccessful appeals to clear his name, completed his minimum 16-year term in 2019.
Helen’s mum Marie, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, was overjoyed when her daughter’s law finally came into effect on January 1 this year.
But she added: “My grief is still raw after 33 years. I am hurting terribly and so are my family. It’s we who are being punished.”
When the 22-yearold’s killer was freed after 31 years, Marie said: “I didn’t think a heart could break twice but mine did.”
The Bill makes it a legal requirement for parole boards to consider “non-disclosure” by prisoners. But Parole Board chief Martin Jones pointed out that “no-body” killers can still walk free under the law.
A panel will be required for the first time to consider the anguish caused by killers who do not co-operate. But the final test remains whether they pose a risk to the public or not.
A Parole Board spokesman confirmed Razzell’s case had been referred to them and said decisions solely focus on whether risks are manageable.
These murderers have made it even worse by not allowing families to grieve
MARIE MCCOURT WHO CAMPAIGNED FOR HELEN’S LAW