Two mothers, whose lives were irrevocably altered by the murders of their daughters, have achieved a landmark victory in their seven-year campaign to reform domestic homicide sentencing laws. Carole Gould and Julie Devey, who found solace and strength in their shared grief, successfully lobbied the government to increase the minimum starting sentence for killing a current or former partner.
Carole Gould's 17-year-old daughter, Ellie Gould, was brutally stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend Thomas Griffiths in May 2019 at their home in Calne, Wiltshire. Griffiths, also 17 at the time, was later jailed for 12-and-a-half years. For Carole, this sentence felt profoundly unjust, particularly when compared to the 25-year starting point for premeditated murders of strangers. Meanwhile, in Frome, Somerset, Julie Devey was grappling with a similar tragedy. Her 24-year-old daughter, Poppy Devey Waterhouse, had been murdered five months prior by her ex-boyfriend Joe Atkinson, who received a minimum term of 15 years and 310 days.
The two women connected after Julie watched a BBC programme featuring Carole discussing Ellie's life and the injustice of the sentencing. Recognising their shared experience and determination, they formed a close bond and co-founded 'Killed Women', a group dedicated to campaigning for changes to domestic homicide sentencing. Their combined efforts saw them engage with numerous justice ministers, politicians, and judges in London over the years, advocating for a more equitable approach to such crimes.
Their tireless work has now culminated in a significant announcement from Justice Secretary David Lammy. Last month, Mr Lammy revealed plans to elevate the minimum starting sentence for the murder of a current or former partner to 25 years. This crucial adjustment brings domestic homicides into line with other premeditated killings, addressing a disparity that Carole and Julie had long argued undermined justice for victims and their families. The change reflects a recognition of the severe impact and often premeditated nature of these crimes.
The mothers expressed both relief and pride at the outcome. Carole Gould reflected on the arduous journey, noting, "It has been a difficult seven years, we've met seven justice ministers, all with a sympathetic nodding. Until now, no justice minister has been bold enough to make the change." Their campaign, born from unimaginable personal tragedy, has ultimately succeeded in enacting a legal reform that aims to provide greater justice for victims of domestic homicide across the UK.