MORE than £20,000 has been raised to help Marie McCourt keep her daughter's killer behind bars by paying for an expensive High Court battle.

As reported in the Warrington Guardian on Thursday, Helen's killer Ian Simms won his case at the Parole Board to be released.

Now Mrs McCourt has launched a crowdfunding appeal to potentially seek a judicial review of the decision with £20,000 already raised.

Marie McCourt said she was 'in shock' when she learned of Thursday's ruling on Ian Simms, who was convicted by a jury three decades ago on overwhelming DNA evidence of abduction and murder.

The pub landlord has always maintained his innocence over the death of the 22-year-old insurance clerk, who vanished on her way home from work in Liverpool in 1988 and whose body has never been found.

It is believed her body was buried in Rixton Claypits in Warrington but Simms has never revealed where.

Warrington Guardian:

Simms

Ms McCourt, from Billinge, has fought tirelessly to keep killers behind bars until they lead police to the victim's body, but her campaign - dubbed Helen's Law - failed to be ratified before Parliament was dissolved.

She is now considering challenging the Parole Board's decision in the High Court but said such action 'could be expensive' and she needs help after she said she had 'never received a penny of legal aid'.

In a statement issued through fundraising website GoFundMe, she said: "I have been staggered and overwhelmed at the outpouring of support I have received since the Parole Board's decision to release my daughter's killer was announced.

"My legal team is now considering what avenues are open to me to stop the release; one such option is to launch a judicial review of the decision in the High Court.

"Taking action could be expensive - which is why I am launching a crowdfunding appeal.

"The Parole Board has acknowledged that Ian Simms, who murdered my daughter in February 1988, will never reveal the whereabouts of her body - yet still think him fit to be released.

"What message is this giving to other killers who have acted in this way? Stay silent, continue torturing the family, and you'll still walk free?

Warrington Guardian:

Helen

"I am making a stand not just for Helen - but for every other missing murder victim out there. I want to ensure no other family goes through this ordeal.

"For more than 31 years I have never received a penny in legal aid - and have always paid my own costs in attending hearings, appeals and parole applications. But, on this occasion, I cannot do this alone. I really need your help.

"I am appealing to everyone who has backed my campaign for Helen's Law to continue their support - and will be eternally grateful for any help given. Let's make Helen's Law apply for my Helen. Thank you."

The final decision on when Simms is released will be made by the Prison Service, although there will now be a three-week period during which either the Justice Secretary or even the killer himself can appeal.

The Parole Board explained Simms was deemed suitable for release due to factors including the "considerable change in his behaviour".

He was eligible to be considered for release on February 15 2004.

  • Details of the Justice for Helen fundraising page are available at gofundme.com/f/justiceforhelenmccourt