The family of a mother brutally murdered by her ex-husband hopes to introduce a new law that prevents murderers from having a say in their children’s lives.
Jade Ward, who should have turned 28 next week, was stabbed and strangled by the evil Russell Marsh in August last year while her young children slept in the next room. After carrying out her horrific attack, Marsh hid the body of the mother of four under a pile of clothes so that the police could find her at home.
Despite being jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years, Marsh has had a say in how Jade’s four children are raised. The 29-year-old has asked to see the school reports and attendance notes for the boys. Social workers have also told Jade’s mother, Karen Robinson, that if the children’s family wants to take them on vacation, they should consult Marsh first. You can also make decisions about your medical treatment.
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Jade’s family is now campaigning to make the “Jade Act” a reality, WalesOnline reports. They want to make sure that no one else is forced to suffer a sudden and brutal loss as they have to endure the added pain of facing the killer over and over again.
“It’s all a matter of control for him,” Karen says. “He had lost control of Jade, so he did what he did, and now he still has control because he controls the boys and he controls us and it’s horrible.
Jade was brutally murdered by her ex-husband (Image: PA)
“He is in prison, but his presence is still in sight. Any rights should have been taken away from him at the time he took his mother out.
“It’s Jade’s birthday next Wednesday, her kids can’t give her birthday kisses. Now everyone’s had a birthday without her, no mother’s cards, no birthday hugs, no kisses because of his vile father.
“You can’t put into words the added concern and stress for him. It means we can’t move on yet. As Jade’s mother, I know I’ll never be able to move on, my life has completely changed with her. But that man evil and vile, this monster is still there preventing us from being able to cry properly. “
Jade’s mother Karen Robinson (Image: Ian Cooper / North Wales Live)
The family, from Shotton, North Wales, approached family friend Edwin Duggan, a law graduate, for help with the campaign. After delving into the case, he launched a petition calling for the automatic suspension of parental responsibility of any parent found guilty of the murder of the other parent.
In a few days, the petition had been signed thousands of times and has now received 120,262 signatures. The government has now responded, admitting that the current rules are too “onerous” and last week the family and their supporters traveled to London to meet with MPs to discuss the next step.
Eddie, who has known Jade’s family for 35 years, says: “When the petition was first published we had 100,000 signatures in 10 days. We were surprised that it took off so quickly, but it shows such an important is and how many families in the UK are affected by problems like this.
“So many people didn’t realize that prisoners who murdered their partners still have rights over children. Marsh didn’t think about the welfare of her children when she murdered her mother. I’ve seen the pain that this family has suffered. ., and it’s so, so sad. Somehow something good has to come out of it. “
Jade Ward (Image: family photo)
In London, Jade’s family met with local MP Mark Tami, who had arranged a meeting for them to discuss Jade’s law with Shadow Justice Minister Ellie Reeves.
Tami says: “The introduction of the Jade Act would place the killer’s responsibility to go through legal circles to prove that they deserve parental responsibility, rather than forcing the victim’s family to endure a lengthy and traumatic legal process for demonstrate why they don’t.
“So I support Jade’s family and friends in achieving this goal. I will find out when a government response to the petition and a debate date can be expected, as well as I will present the petition to the House of Commons in the coming weeks. .
“We discussed with Shadow Justice Minister Ellie Reeves how we can better amend current legislation or introduce new legislation to make Jade’s law a reality.”
Ellie Reeves, the shadow justice minister at work, said: “It was incredibly emotional to meet Jade’s family and friends and learn more about her life and love for her children.
Jade’s family and friends (Image: Ian Cooper / North Wales Live)
“But despite this tragic case, a man who has murdered the mother of his children still retains parental responsibility.
“It is unthinkable that bereaved families still have to ask the killer’s permission before taking their children abroad or on issues such as the child’s health or schooling. I hope the government listens to Jade’s family. “
Jade’s family is determined to be heard, as Mother Karen says, “I will not stop until this law is passed. No other family should go through what we are going through.”
This is the Government’s response to the request: “The Government recognizes that in situations where one parent is convicted of the murder of the other parent, the process of restricting parental responsibility of a parent who is imprisoned can be lengthy. and that making or responding to court applications and attending various court hearings on issues related to parental responsibility can often be onerous for those involved.
Russell Marsh still has a voice in his children’s lives despite being in prison for life (Image: PA)
“Under the Children’s Act 1989, the exercise of parental responsibility in the hands of one or more persons may already be limited by the court, where it is considered that it is in the best interests of the child. The Act also allows the court to prevent individuals from filing multiple unjustified claims before the court, which can be onerous and distressing for family members.
“When a child does not have a parent to care for him or her on a daily basis, family members may apply for court orders in private law proceedings, or a local authority may initiate public law care proceedings for the purpose of When making these orders, the welfare of the child is always the primary consideration of the court.
“In cases where one parent has been convicted of the murder of the other, the responsible local authority will have a duty to protect the child and ensure that they are protected from harm. This may include initiating proceedings. care to provide the child with permanent or temporary care.
“A care agreement may include family members, such as grandparents, aunts or uncles, having parental responsibility for the child. Alternatively, a local authority will acquire parental responsibility for the child when the court considers this to be in the best interests of the child.
“The court may now exercise powers to effectively eliminate all parental powers and authorities in appropriate cases. To what extent and the period of time during which such parental rights and powers are limited are matters for the judge to decide. based on the facts of the case.
“The court may also exercise powers to prevent a person from repeatedly attempting to bring issues before the court. Section 91 (14) of the Children’s Act 1989 allows family courts to prohibit persons from making further applications specified in under the Children’s Act 1989 without permission from These orders are known as section 91 (14) orders.
“The court may issue this order ex officio or at the request of one of the parties involved in the private law case.
“Once there is an order under section 91 (14), if an applicant applies for permission to file an application under the relevant Children’s Act, the court will generally consider whether the circumstances place in the exclusion order have changed.This offers protection to those.considers who care for the child, eliminating the burden and anxiety associated with relatives having to go back to court several times.
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