Baroness Helen Newlove who championed victims’ rights after husband’s homicide has died

Tributes have been paid in the House of Lords following the death of victims’ commissioner Baroness Helen Newlove. The fierce campaigner used her platform to fight against the scourge of antisocial behaviour after her husband was kicked to death by yobs in front of his daughters.

Today she was described as a “committed and passionate advocate for victims” after it emerged she died after a short illness. Garry Newlove, 47, was murdered by three teenage yobs who had been behind a long-running campaign of violence and aggression towards the family at their home in Padgate, Cheshire, back in 2007.

When Garry confronted them, he was subjected to a brutal attack and “kicked like a football” which left him choking on his tongue in front of his girls, then aged 12, 15 and 18.

Recalling the day of her husband’s death, Helen had said her daughters “were traumatised” and she felt the criminal justice system was driven by statistics and terminology over empathy.

“Mr daughters were traumatised, hadn’t slept and there was a person there who the police had advised,” Baroness Newlove recalls. “The first words when she met my daughter were: ‘Well of course, everybody’s innocent until proven guilty.’

“Now, yes, you can’t discuss the case, but you don’t say that to a 12-year-old child who’s just watched her father being kicked to death, choking on his own blood, trying to pull his tongue out, trying to do CPR. You do not say that to a person.”

Helen became Victims’ Commissioner and campaigned to change the law so victims of antisocial behaviour are properly recognised.

In a statement released after her death, her office 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. 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.

“We ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time.”