'Compensate families despite convictions' call
AN ONLINE petition has been set up calling for compensation rules for the families of murder victims to change.
As reported, the family of Wayne Brown, who was murdered in Patchway on Rodway Road in January last year, has been refused compensation by the national Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
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Murder victim Wayne Brown, whose family were denied compensation
One of the criteria that precludes compensation being awarded is if a victim had previous convictions. Mr Brown, 25, was serving a community order when he was stabbed by Steven Vice on Rodway Road, and had two other convictions for theft.
After hearing about the failed compensation claim, Patchway resident Carly Lockie, 27, of Larch Way, gathered about 150 signatures and has now started an online petition.
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It reads: "We, members of the community of Patchway, want the law to be changed regarding compensation given to families who have had a member of the family murdered who had minor convictions and are not entitled to compensation because of this."
Mr Brown's mum Wendy Mitchell said compensation, capped at £11,000, would pay for a headstone and give his son Ashton, four, a start in life.
Vice is serving life in prison.
To sign the new petition, visit http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/is-this-right.html.
Comments
by Dougalbear12
Wednesday, June 27 2012, 9:59PM
“MessyPatch, The victims family did get justice, the perpetrator was arrested,stood trial and was found guilty, he is now serving his sentence in prison, No amount of money will really compensate from losing a loved one or family member. I'm not sure I agree with the No money if petty crime has been comitted, but then define petty crime!
The victims of the deceased wouldnt have been compensated when he stole from them.
What if you have a petty criminal who has been committing petty crimes all his life and never contributed to society in a financial capacity, why should there be any compensation for the families of someone like that for example?
As for the little boy, I think concentrating on a good upbringing and making sure he doesnt make the same mistakes as his father would be a much better starting point than money!”
by A_Mushroom
Wednesday, June 27 2012, 9:22PM
“Chris, financial compensation won't buy the child a father but he could grow up thinking that receiving money you haven't worked for is a panacea.”
by christoph3
Wednesday, June 27 2012, 12:10PM
“the child will grow up without a father. the compensation is for the child. he should get it regardless of what his father has done.”
by nathanw1
Wednesday, June 27 2012, 8:57AM
“Surely any compensation should come from the killer rather than (I assume) the taxpayer.
I'm don't imagine any of his victims received compensaion from his crimes. Maybe if he was a better person, he could have given his son a better start in life rather than leave it for everyone else.”
by A_Mushroom
Tuesday, June 26 2012, 7:31PM
“I wonder if any of the victims of Brown's crimes will be signing the petition?”
by MessyPatch
Tuesday, June 26 2012, 12:06PM
“What has previous convictions got to do with giving Waynes family compensation?
This country is a joke.
Fair play to Carly Lockie who is doing what our local MP should be doing to get this family justice.”
by Morrissey9
Tuesday, June 26 2012, 11:23AM
“I can see the thinking behind it, you can imagine the tabloid outrage if someone was awarded millions for their husband being killed while taking part of an organised gang of violent criminals. The problem is, define "minor crime" - two counts of theft seems more than a petty motoring or drugs offence.”
by katachua
Tuesday, June 26 2012, 11:14AM
“Does this include motoring offence or posession of cannabis? Those alone would save the Government a fair chunk of money...”
by Commenter42
Tuesday, June 26 2012, 11:02AM
“The petition states: "We, members of the community of Patchway..."
Anyone not living in Patchway is, then, precluded from signing it.”
by MRB82
Tuesday, June 26 2012, 8:51AM
“Perhaps this story might serve as a deterrent to others who commit crime. I do feel sympathy for the family but the rules are there for a reason. I don't see why they should be changed and would urge people not to sign this petition. Perhaps the poor family should focus their grief in a more positive manner and focus on giving the child love, care and attention. He needs that more than money.”