Improved victim service will be 'legacy' to woman killed by paroled prisoner

Service wants to be 'voice, eyes and ears' of those touched by crime

Victims of serious crime on the Isle of Man are set to receive more support as efforts are stepped up to develop a victim liaison service.

The Department of Home Affairs and Justice is hoping dedicated liaison officers can become the 'voice, eyes and ears' of those whose lives are touched by crime.

The officers will inform families about the criminal justice system as well as discussing offenders' parole hearings, conditions and release dates.

Departmental member Clare Barber says for too long too much focus has been put on those convicted of crime: 

The Victim Liaison Service was one of the recommendations made as part of a landmark enquiry into the Isle of Man's parole service in 2017.

That was sparked by the death of 62-year-old Gwen Valentine – a Winchester resident who was on holiday in April 2014 when she was hit and killed on the Tholt-Y-Will.

The person responsible for her death - Donovan Kitching - a man who'd been released from prison on parole just three weeks earlier.

Now, seven years after her death and four years after the inquiry, Minister Graham Cregeen says positive change is happening:

Gwen's son, Stuart Valentine, has welcomed the re-focus on the liaison service.

He says support was lacking following Kitching’s conviction and subsequent 10-year sentence: