The UK government has announced tougher sentencing guidelines for murders committed by jealous ex-partners, particularly in cases involving strangulation or where the killing is linked to the end of a relationship. This move is part of a broader effort to combat violence against women, following an independent review of domestic homicide sentencing.
Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood stated that the new measures, which are set to come into force next year in England and Wales, will introduce two statutory aggravating factors. These will require judges to consider stronger penalties for murders involving strangulation or those arising from relationship breakdowns.
Despite this progress, some campaigners have criticized the changes, arguing that the new guidelines “fail to go far enough” in addressing the seriousness of domestic murders. The Law Commission has also been tasked with reviewing homicide laws and sentencing, examining the broader framework for murder sentencing and the handling of diminished responsibility in trials.
The Ministry of Justice highlighted that around 85 people, mainly women, are killed by their current or ex-partners each year, often in the victim’s own home. A review by barrister Clare Wade revealed that 30% of these cases involved strangulation, while 40% occurred at the end or perceived end of a relationship, with male perpetrators and female victims making up the majority of cases.
The announcement has been welcomed by groups like the Joanna Simpson Foundation, which was established after Joanna Simpson was killed by her husband Robert Brown in 2010. Brown was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 26 years in prison but was due for release in November 2023 before his release was blocked by the previous government. Joanna’s mother and best friend, Diana Parkes and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, have advocated for broader reforms, expressing disappointment with the government’s narrow focus.
While Justice Minister Mahmood acknowledged concerns about homicide law and sentencing, she emphasized the need for a comprehensive review by the Law Commission to create a fairer, more effective system for addressing domestic homicides.
