Petition delivered to No 10

Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) and Blandford mum Cathy Franklin delivered a petition as part of the National Fight for Justice Campaign to 10 Downing Street on Monday, 8 June.

Bob arranged for Cathy Franklin to present the petition she has organised to the heart of Government, calling for stronger sentencing for those convicted of murder and other killings.

Bob has championed Cathy’s campaign to support victims since her two year old son Ryan was killed by his father in 2002. Cathy was disappointed Ryan’s father, Lee Khair, only served three years and six months of a seven year sentence for manslaughter.

Since Ryan’s death, Cathy and Bob have campaigned successfully to change the coroners law, and Cathy has been active in promoting the rights and needs of victims in Dorset and throughout the UK. Cathy was key to organising the National Fight for Justice Rally in Bournemouth on 28 March, where Bob spoke of the need to reform sentencing policy and commended the hard work Cathy has done so far.

On the steps of 10 Downing Street Bob said: “I admire the hard work and dedication Cathy has shown to improving the plight of victims. This petition is an important step on her way to making the case for reform of sentencing policy.

“I believe we need to end the disastrous early release of prisoners through the End of Custody Licence Scheme and introduce honest sentencing, ensuring that convicted criminals serve at least the minimum sentence handed down by a judge.”