Main content

Joint enterprise law: Victim and killers mothers debate

A group of MPs says the law of joint enterprise needs reforming. Joint enterprise means someone who played a minor role in a killing can still face a murder charge, if they could have foreseen that the killer might inflict serious harm. The Justice Committee says that rule needs reviewing, and manslaughter or lesser charges considered instead.

Janet Cunliffe's son, Jordan, was convicted of the murder of Garry Newlove, who was beaten to death when he confronted a group of youths outside his home in Warrington in 2007. Janet believes her son is innocent as he didn't strike the blow that killed Mr Newlove.

Lorraine Fraser's son, Tyrone, was stabbed to death in an attack by up to 20 youths in 2004. Four men were convicted of Tyrone's murder under the joint enterprise legislation, although it's never been established who the knifeman was. Lorraine says "wrong is wrong" and supports the joint enterprise law.

Release date:

Duration:

3 minutes

This clip is from