Cameron backing bail law changes

Prime Minister David Cameron hopes that planned changes to the system which currently allows the release of suspected serious offenders on bail can help bring some comfort to a murder victim's family.

Proposed amendments to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill would mean that prosecutors will be able to lodge appeals against crown court decisions to grant bail to people accused of serious crimes.

A campaign to change the law has been conducted by the family of nurse Jane Clough, who was stabbed to death by former partner Jonathan Vass while he was on bail accused of raping her.

After announcing the move in the House of Commons last week, Mr Cameron said he hoped the proposed changes would "improve the law, be more helpful to victims and give some satisfaction to the family".

Justice minister Crispin Blunt said: "These changes will provide a vital safeguard for the public by allowing prosecutors to challenge crown court bail decisions when they fear a potentially dangerous defendant may be being bailed."

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