MP tells government “We must change the law” to prevent further child deaths by domestically abusive parents

In Parliament, Marie Tidball MP, urged for a change in the law to prevent unsafe contact being granted to abusive parents, which is continuing to cause the death of innocent children.

This week has seen the sentencing of Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother, who murdered her. They were both granted supervised contact with Sara, despite the fact her father had been arrested previously for domestic abuse allegations.

Tragically, this is something that has happened before, due to the presiding legal principle of presumption of contact.

10 years ago in Penistone, Paul and Jack Skyes were horrifically murdered, by their abusive father, who set their house on fire. Whilst in the family courts, their mother Claire Throssell repeatedly warned that their father had a history of domestic abuse, and was a danger to the children’s lives. However, presumption of contact meant he was granted unsupervised children of the boys.

Presumption of contact meant both Jack and Paul’s father, and Sara’s father, who both had a known history of domestic abuse, were granted unsupervised contact with their respective children.

During Business Questions in Parliament, Marie asked the Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell MP, if there would be time to debate presumption of contact.

In Parliament, Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, told the Leader of the House,

“Ten years ago, my constituent Claire Throssell promised her sons...that no other children would die in the same tragic circumstances.

This week has seen the sentencing of Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother, who murdered her.

Too many children have died at the hands of known domestically abusive parents who have been granted unsupervised contact in the family courts.”

We need to “[change] the law on presumptive contact in order to prevent further child deaths at the hands of known domestically abusive parents”.

In response to her question, Lucy Powell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, said:

“We have all been moved, appalled and shocked in many ways by the case of Sara Sharif and its findings, along with sentencing this week.

She will know that the Government are absolutely committed to ensuring that all vulnerable children are safe. We are bringing in reforms, especially to areas such as home schooling and kinship care, and support for children’s services and children’s social workers.

We presented the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill this week, but that is just a start. I look forward to working with her and colleagues so that we ensure that this never happens again.”

Following the exchange, Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said:

“Between 2005 and 2015, 19 children, including Jack and Paul, have been killed as a result of unsafe contact with abusive parents. It is heartbreaking that Sara’s murder means that list is now even longer.

Sara’s tragic death demonstrates that after 10 years, nothing has changed.

We must change the law to ensure Claire can keep her promise, and no further children have to die in these horrific circumstances.

I wholeheartedly support Claire’s tireless campaigning to ensure children, and their safety, are placed firmly at the forefront of the family courts.

Claire and I recently met with the Victims Minister, and was hopeful to hear the Minister’s commitment to review the impact of the presumption of contact, and that the government’s response will be published soon.”

Claire Throssell MBE, said,

“It is 10 years this year since Jack and Pauls murders, and sadly more innocent children's lives are still being taken due to the dangerous practice and culture that remains in Family Courts due to presumption of contact between abusive parents and their children.

Contact at any cost must end and presumption has no place in a court of law.

Sara is tragically another example of how parental rights are prioritised over the rights of a child.”

If you or anyone you know needs support with domestic abuse, in Penistone they can call 03000 110 110 or email info@idas.org.uk, and in Stocksbridge call 0808 808 2241. The National Domestic Violence Helpline can be contacted on 0808 2000 247 and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.