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The family of a murdered mother has expressed shock and disappointment over the delay in the implementation of a new law designed to remove parental rights from individuals who kill their ex-partners. Despite being passed by Parliament 18 months ago, the legislation known as Jade’s Law has yet to come into effect. The law was the result of a campaign by Jade Ward’s family, following her tragic murder by her ex-partner Russell Marsh in 2021.
Jade Ward, from Shotton, Flintshire, was 27 when she was fatally stabbed and strangled by Marsh while their four children were asleep nearby. Marsh received a life sentence in 2022 and, according to Jade’s father Paul Ward, has shown no remorse for his actions. The family became concerned when Marsh began requesting updates about the children, including school reports and photographs, from prison. This prompted them to campaign for the introduction of a law that would strip offenders like Marsh of any parental responsibilities. Their efforts culminated in the passage of Jade’s Law in May 2024, as part of the Victim and Prisoners Act 2024.
The legislation is intended to protect children by preventing convicted killers from maintaining influence over their lives. It specifically targets those convicted of murdering or voluntarily manslaughtering someone with whom they share parental responsibilities, although there is an exemption for victims of domestic abuse who kill their abusers. Despite the law being passed, Jade’s family has recently learned that it is not yet active in practice, as additional administrative procedures need to be completed. This news has left them feeling deeply upset, as they had believed the law was already providing protection.
Campaigner Edwin Duggan, who helped draft the framework for Jade’s Law and works with a charity supporting children with incarcerated parents, expressed frustration over the delay. He revealed that the courts are currently unable to apply the law because the necessary statutory instruments have not been established. Duggan has written an open letter to the justice secretary, aiming to prompt action and raise awareness of the ongoing issue. The Ministry of Justice responded by affirming its commitment to implementing Jade’s Law safely and promptly and stated it is collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure the proper system is put in place. However, for Jade’s family, now more than four years after her death, the long wait continues to reopen painful wounds. “We just want Jade to rest,” Paul Ward said, while Karen Robinson added, “We just need it to be over so we can move on and get a bit of peace.”
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