What’s happened so far
What’s happened so far
- March 2005 – the Pemberton/Mullane family, along with Julia Drown MP, spoke in the House of Commons to request a homicide review into the deaths of Julia and Will Pemberton. For full details of this speech please click here
– 6 June 2005- the first meeting to discuss the terms of reference of the homicide review took place between West Berkshire review partnership (leading on the review locally whilst simultaneously informing government) and the Pemberton/Mullane family.
– October 2005 – the Pemberton/Mullane family obtained an injunction from the courts to prevent the proposed homicide review, in the form presented by the West Berkshire partnership, from taking place. The terms of reference failed to recognise the family’s five key demands for a homicide review (as above).
- When the injunction was granted the Judge urged that the West Berkshire partnership, along with the Home Office and the Pemberton/Mullane family, try to meet to forge some middle ground to take the review forward
- During the injunction period it was also decided that the Pemberton/Mullane’s request for a judicial review was not merited.
- The family appealed that decision and an additional court date was agreed for 1 February
– 1 February 2006 – the Pemberton/Mullane family and government/secretary of state officials reconvened in court where the family asked for ‘permission to argue’ their case
- Mr. Justice Walker granted the family’s request for a judicial review under Article 2.
- This is an important step forward for the family and is also of great importance to abused women and children.
– 6 February – Rt Hon Harriet Harman, QC, MP unveils plans in Parliament to allow grieving relatives to ask for a "second opinion" on death certificates under plans to reform the coroners ‘ system in England and Wales. Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said families frequently got overlooked in the inquest process. The changes would make being a coroner a full-time job and relatives would have a right to contribute to the investigations. People will have the power to challenge the system.
– 14 June – Homicide Review Consultation launched by the Government – if you would like to feed into this consultation you can click here for more information.
– 24 July – Judicial Review will take place. This review will be the first of its kind and it is vital that it is given the full commitment it deserves by all involved as it will help set the precedent for future reviews.
