Hopes for Helen's Law to be included in Queen's Speech

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has committed to introducing the law, which keeps killers who stay silent about where they concealed their victims' bodies in prison for longer.

READ MORE > Marie McCourt launches fresh search for daughter Helen's remains

This signals a victory for a campaign by Marie McCourt, whose daughter Helen was murdered more than 31 years ago though her body has never been found.

George and Dragon pub landlord Ian Simms was jailed for the crime in 1989 but has never admitted what he did or where Helen’s body is.

Ian Simms outside the George and Dragon pub in 1989 flanked by prison guards

Helen's Law will place a legal duty on the Parole Board to reflect the failure to disclose the site of a victim’s remains when considering a prisoner’s suitability for release.

The move follows the unwavering campaign of Helen’s mother, Marie McCourt, to see the law changed and comes after recent meetings with St Helens North MP Conor McGinn and former Justice Secretary David Gauke.

The current Justice Secretary has been reported in the Mail saying he is "cautiously optimistic" about the law moving forward ahead of the Queen's Speech.

Welcoming the progress, Conor McGinn said: "After the government pledged to support Helen’s Law some months ago, we are hopeful that it will be included in the Queen’s Speech on Monday and that legislation can be brought forward shortly afterwards.

"At a time when Parliament and politicians are divided on many things, I am hopeful that on this issue MPs across all parties in the House of Commons will be united behind Marie McCourt, her family and all the other victims in making sure Helen’s Law passes quickly and unanimously."

Conor McGinn MP

Marie McCourt, 76, added: "I just hope that this keeps going and that it is in the Queen's Speech.

"There's a lot of killers where there is no body.

"They shouldn't be released, they are torturing their victim's families as well."

After learning the law will be passed earlier this year, Marie said to the Star: "I am elated that it has now been confirmed that the Government is proceeding with Helen's Law.

"In December 2015 when I heard that Simms had a hearing for parole it kickstarted my campaigning and I have faced so many twists and turns along the way that I never truly let myself believe it would happen, I would never give up but it was hard to see an end to the campaigning.

"I called it Helen's Law, but never expected for it to be passed under that name, I just wanted an amendment to the law, but to hear that it is in her name is amazing."

She added: "This will hopefully impact Simms as well as he will be told under Helen's Law you will not be able for parole unless you tell us where she is.

"I know he may never tell me, but I can rest easy now knowing that Helen's Law will help so many other families.

"I really feel that Helen would be proud.

"She will be looking down on me saying good for you mum, I don't mind my life being taken because this law in my name will help others to never go through what you have.

"I would like to thank Conor McGinn for his support in bringing this law forward and the St Helens community for always supporting me and Helen, even 31 years later. Thank you, thank you all so much."