25 Sep 2006

A mother whose daughter’s murderer was released early from prison on human rights grounds has successfully used the Human Rights Act to secure an inquest into her daughter’s death.

Represented by Liberty, Mrs. Verna Bryant will argue that her daughter Naomi’s right to life was violated when she was murdered by violent sex offender Anthony Rice after he was released early from custody on licence. Liberty and Mrs. Bryant are pursuing remedies against the government using the Human Rights Act.
 
Unlike most other inquests, in this case the inquest will divulge if the victim’s human rights may have been violated even though she was not known to be at risk at the time of her death.
 
Liberty Legal Officer Anna Fairclough said: 
 
“The Bryant’s loss is all the more tragic because Naomi’s death might have been prevented had government bodies shared details about her murderer’s psychopathic behaviour. Only by using the Human Rights Act can we seek to change the system and seek justice for the Bryants.”
 
Naomi Bryant, a 40 year old mother of one, was murdered in August 2005 by Anthony Rice who had a 34 year history of violent sexual attacks. Rice left jail in November 2004 after serving 16 years for rape, indecent assault and actual bodily harm. When the killing took place he was staying on licence at a charity hostel.
 
Liberty will argue that government bodies did not adequately consider the safety of the public and women in particular when Rice was released on licence. In his May 10 2006 report, the Chief Inspector of Probation Andrew Bridges listed a series of errors which led to Rice’s early release and a catalogue of failures in his supervision once he was released. Officials’ failure to adequately consider the danger he posed in light of his well-documented history of brutality against women may violate Bryant’s human rights to life and to be free from degrading treatment. 
 
Contact: Jen Corlew on 0207 378 3656 or 0797 3831 128