Baroness Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner, used her platform to fight against the scourge of antisocial behaviour after her husband was killed to death by yobs
Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner, has passed away after a short illness.
The fierce campaigner used her platform to fight against the scourge of antisocial behaviour after her husband was killed to death by yobs in front of his daughters. She was hailed as a champion of victims and witnesses’ rights.
David Lammy – the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary – said he is “deeply saddened” by the news. He described Baroness Newlove – who is also the Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords – as “an extraordinary public servant whose life’s work and her legacy are defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice”.
In 2007, Baroness Newlove’s husband Garry was kicked to death by a gang of drunken youths who were defacing his wife’s car and they kicked him to death in front of his daughters, then 18, 15 and 12.
His murder came after a long-running campaign of abuse, violence and aggression which started as beer bottles being thrown into their garden and vandalism of their property in Padgate, Cheshire.
In an interview with The Mirror last year, Baroness Newlove said she sees victims of murder, rape, domestic violence, antisocial behaviour – and they all tell her they “just want somebody to believe them and listen to them”.
“Justice can be just being treated with dignity and respect and being believed. Justice for them is to have their voice heard,” she said. “The majority of victims I’ve spoken to have said: ‘I would never report a crime again.’ It’s not rocket science to say that shows you that if they’re coming away and saying that, there is wrong in everything that’s happened.”
Following Garry’s death, she campaigned tirelessly to tackle anti-social behaviour and binge drinking culture. In recognition of her achievements, she was appointed Government Champion for Active, Safer Communities in 2010, where she worked with local people to make communities safer and to find solutions to local problems. In that same year she was nominated for a peerage by then PM David Cameron in the Dissolution Honours list.
In 2021, Baroness Newlove took up the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, where she continued to champion and amplify the voices of victims.
Baroness Newlove first served as Victims’ Commissioner from 2013 to 2019 and made the unprecedented move to return for a one-year term in October 2023 after the Tories failed to fill the vacancy.
A statement from the Victims’ Commissioner’s 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.”
Mr Lammy said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.
“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.
“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.”