Baroness Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner and campaigner, whose husband Garry was murdered by a gang of teenagers in 2007, has died aged 63.
In a statement the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner said: “We are deeply saddened to share that Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, has passed away following a short illness. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
“Helen was a committed and passionate advocate for victims, drawing on her own experience of the criminal justice system. She was determined that all victims should be treated with compassion, decency and respect – and she consistently led by example.”
Baroness Newlove had called for the death penalty to be brought back after her husband died in 2007 and has campaigned on behalf of victims of crime since.
She first served as the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales for six years from March 2013 to May 2019 before being re-appointed in October 2023. She was due to serve until the end of the year.
Mr Newlove, a salesman with a plastics company, left his home to remonstrate with the group of drunk teenagers who had damaged his wife’s car.
He was kicked “like a football” in front of his terrified wife and three daughters. He suffered massive head injuries and died two days later in hospital.
Justice Secretary David Lammy paid tribute, saying he is “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of Baroness Newlove.
The deputy prime minister said: “As both victims’ commissioner, and Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, Helen brought unparalleled experience and dedication to her roles.
“She championed the rights of victims and witnesses and held agencies to account.
“Her leadership shaped the Victims’ Code, strengthened victims’ voices in the criminal justice system, and ensured that the Victims and Prisoners Act progressed with victims’ interests at its heart.
“Helen was an extraordinary public servant whose life’s work and her legacy are defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
“My thoughts remain with her family and her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
Former prime minister David Cameron posted on X: “Desperately sad to hear that Helen Newlove has died. Helen was so wonderful, warm, brave and plain speaking. She suffered the tragedy of watching her beloved husband, Garry, being murdered by thugs – and then turned that experience into a second life of service.
“Service to her community, to the country and to Parliament – but, most of all, service to victims of crime to make sure they got a proper hearing and a better deal.
“It was a privilege to meet her and an honour to help her into a position where she could dedicate herself to the service of others.
“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Helen’s husband, Paul, and her daughters, Zoe, Danielle and Amy. Helen leaves a legacy that they – and we all – can be proud of.”
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