Blackpool MP backs Sasha's Law campaign in Parliament as family fights to keep killer behind bars
A Blackpool MP has renewed calls to change the law on unduly lenient sentences, backing a long-running campaign led by the sister of murdered teenager Sasha Marsden.
Lorraine Beavers said she has been working alongside campaigner Katie Brett to introduce Sasha’s Law, which would extend the current 28-day time limit for families to appeal sentences they believe are too lenient.
In a statement shared on Facebook on Monday (March 23), Ms Beavers said: “I have been working hard alongside the very brave and passionate Katie Brett to try and bring in Sasha’s Law.
“Sasha was brutally murdered in Blackpool. Her family had to sit through the trauma of the trial and hear incredibly gruesome things about what happened to their Sasha.
“They were not in the space to think straight and appeal the perpetrator’s unduly lenient sentence within 28 days.
“Katie has been campaigning hard for years to increase that 28 day appeal limit for victim’s families, and I am doing everything I can to try and make it happen.”
The campaign relates to the case of Sasha Marsden, who was raped and murdered in 2013 by David Minto.
Minto was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 35 years, but was not handed a whole-life order.
Ms Brett has since campaigned for changes to the unduly lenient sentence scheme, arguing that grieving families are not given enough time to challenge sentences after traumatic trials.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Beavers raised the issue directly with Solicitor General Ellie Reeves.
She said: “I am grateful for the Solicitor General's meeting with me on Monday about the failures of the unduly lenient sentencing scheme.
“It is not enough to simply ensure families are informed of their rights. They should have longer than the current 28 days to use those rights.
“For families who have been put through the traumatic trials, it is just not long enough.
“Could the Solicitor General update the House on what plans she has to ensure families of victims have every chance to see justice done?”
Responding, Ms Reeves said: “I thank my honourable friend for attending the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme victims roundtable on Monday evening.
“I know what a strong advocate she is for her constituent, Katie Brett, whose sister was brutally murdered.
“Victims and families should always be informed about the scheme, but I know it doesn't always happen and how grief is compounded if an application is then rejected out of time.
“That’s not good enough, and it’s why I’m working with the Ministry of Justice to find solutions.”
The latest development follows ongoing campaigning by Ms Brett, who has launched multiple petitions calling for the 28-day limit to be removed so families have more time to appeal sentences.
As previously reported by the Blackpool Gazette, she has argued the current timeframe is not long enough for grieving relatives to process traumatic court proceedings and take legal action.
Sasha’s Law would seek to change that, ensuring families have a greater opportunity to challenge sentences and pursue justice.
You can sign the petition at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700168