Baroness Newlove, who became a leading campaigner for crime victims’ rights after her husband was murdered by three youths, has died after a short illness.
The 63-year-old peer had been Victims’ Commissioner for two periods since 2013.
As Helen Newlove, she rose to national prominence in 2007 following the senseless murder of her husband, Garry.
He was murdered in front of his daughter, then aged just 12, after he caught a group of feral youths vandalising his wife’s car whilst they were drunk and high on cannabis.
In a crime that shocked the nation, Adam Swellings, 19, Stephen Sorton, 17, and Jordan Cunliffe, 16, ganged up on the father-of-three, repeatedly kicking him in his head until he died in Warrington, Cheshire.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy led tributes, describing Baroness Newlove as an ‘extraordinary public servant’ whose work had been ‘defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice’
In the wake of the crime that had so deeply affected her own family, Baroness Newlove campaigned for victims of anti-social behaviour to be taken more seriously.
She was nominated for a peerage by then Prime Minister David Cameron in May 2010.
Baroness Newlove, who has died, pictured for the Daily Mail in 2020
Garry Newlove, 47, was kicked to death by a gang of youths outside his own home in 2007 – a shocking crime which led his widow, Helen, to become a leading campaigner for victims’ rights
As a peer she took on took on a role as a government ‘champion’ and later served as the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales from 2013 to 2019.
She was reappointed to another stint in the same role in 2023 and was due to step down at the end of this year.
Baroness Newlove was also a deputy speaker in the House of Lords.
Baroness Helen Newlove, second from left, and her daughters Amy, Danielle and Zoe, left to right), pictured in November 2015
In a statement, the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner said: ‘We are deeply saddened to share that Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, has passed away following a short illness.
‘Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
‘Helen was a committed and passionate advocate for victims, drawing on her own experience of the criminal justice system.
‘She was determined that all victims should be treated with compassion, decency and respect – and she consistently led by example.
‘Under her leadership, the role of Victims’ Commissioner was transformed – growing in stature, influence and authority.
Baroness Newlove pictured taking her seat in the House of Lords in July 2010
Baroness Helen Newlove leaving the Palace of Westminster with daughters Danielle, Zoe and Amy after becoming a Conservative peer in 2010
‘She reshaped the office into a trusted voice and genuine force for victims: one that stands firmly on their side, champions their rights, and holds the justice system to account.
‘This transformation stands as a testament to her work and will remain her enduring legacy.
‘As well as Victims’ Commissioner, Helen was a dear friend and a respected colleague. She will be greatly missed.’
Mr Lammy, who is also Justice Secretary, said: ‘I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Baroness Helen Newlove.
‘As both Victims’ Commissioner, and Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, Helen brought unparalleled experience and dedication to her roles.
‘She championed the rights of victims and witnesses and held agencies to account.
‘Her leadership shaped the Victims’ Code, strengthened victims’ voices in the criminal justice system, and ensured that the Victims and Prisoners Act progressed with victims’ interests at its heart.’
Mr Lammy added: ‘Helen was an extraordinary public servant whose life’s work and her legacy are defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
‘My thoughts remain with her family and her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.’
Less than a month ago Baroness Newlove published research showing just four in 10 victims of crime believe they will be able to secure justice.
The survey, conducted for the commissioner, found only 42 per cent of those questioned believed they would secure a proper outcome for crimes committed against them.
It also found only 46 per cent had confidence in the effectiveness of the justice system – police, prosecutors and courts – while 51 per cent had confidence in its fairness.
The report uncovered repeated examples of victims being ‘denied a voice’ in the process.
Baroness Newlove said at the time that the findings ‘should trouble us all’..
She added: ‘I believe all victims deserve to be treated with decency and respect.
‘Sadly, this report sends a very clear message that we have a great deal of work to do to rebuild victim confidence in the justice system.’
