Liberty is advising Mrs. Verna Bryant, the mother of murder victim Naomi Bryant. Together they are examining remedies against the Government under the Human Rights Act. They will argue that her human rights were violated by the early release of a convicted violent sex offender.

Naomi Bryant, a 40 year old mother of one, was murdered 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 the Home Office 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.

Naomi Bryant’s mother, Verna Bryant, said: “I want the whole system to be shaken up. Victims have human rights too. What about my daughter’s rights?”

Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti said, “The Bryant family deserve justice for their terrible loss and a real sense that others will be better protected in the future. The Human Rights Act is the best hope for victims who in the past had only limited redress against the government.

To date, there has been no public investigation into Rice’s release.

Contact: Jen Corlew on 0207 378 3656 or 07973 831 128