Andy Burnham backs M.E.N. campaign, one year on from 'tragic' murder of Caroline Gore

Andy Burnham has backed a Manchester Evening News campaign, one year on from the 'tragic' murder of Caroline Gore in Wigan.

The Greater Manchester mayor and his deputy Kate Green have supported the M.E.N.'s calls for a mandatory minimum jail sentences for breaches of protective orders, like the one Caroline's killer ignored - and was allowed to get away with. The campaign, launched shortly after the anniversary of Caroline's death, has been backed by domestic abuse charities, several MPs and the local authority.

The M.E.N. is also calling for proper monitoring of people with restraining orders including via electronic tagging. It comes after Caroline's abusive ex-partner David Liptrot repeatedly breached his restraining orders which prohibited him from contacting her.

READ MORE: 'What kind of a message does this send to victims. What message does it send to perpetrators?'

Less than four weeks before Liptrot brutally killed Caroline by brutally stabbing her after 'lying in wait' at her home in Wigan, he was spared jail for breaching his restraining order again. Caroline, 44, was found dead at her flat in Douglas House on October 30, 2023.

Caroline's daughter Megan told the M.E.N. earlier this month that restraining orders 'aren't worth the paper they're written on' and 'are not taken seriously enough', echoing sentiments expressed by domestic abuse charities. Her family has backed the M.E.N.'s campaign.

It comes as nearly 2,000 people have signed the M.E.N.'s petition which was raised by an MP in Parliament last week. The campaign has been also been supported by Wigan council, which has now launched a Domestic Abuse Related Death review into Caroline's case.

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In a joint statement, Mr Burnham and his deputy Ms Green, who is responsible for the 'Safer and Stronger Communities' brief in Greater Manchester, said: “Caroline’s murder was tragic, and we are pleased that the M.E.N. is campaigning for better protection for victims of domestic abuse. “In Greater Manchester, we are absolutely committed to tackling gender-based violence and preventing violence against women where we can, bringing perpetrators of abuse to justice and supporting victims of violence throughout.

“We are one of the first areas in the country this month to pilot new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders which will provide flexible, long-term support to survivors of abuse. This will be another tool for Greater Manchester Police to utilise to protect victims and survivors from domestic abuse.

“Innovative policing is central to our approach in tackling all forms of gender-based violence, and through our Gender-Based Violence Strategy we are committed to improving policing to ensure the experiences of women and girls in the criminal justice system is as positive as possible. The protection afforded by DAPOs is an important part of this approach.

“By supporting this campaign, we honour Caroline’s memory and pledge to do everything in our power to keep women in Greater Manchester safe.”

Last week, Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt raised the M.E.N.'s campaign in Parliament, asking the Commons leader, Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell, whether the Labour government would welcome a debate on strengthening the law on breaches of restraining orders. It comes after the Labour MP promised to support the campaign 'at every level' to help bring about meaningful change.

Ms Powell replied: "I am really sorry to hear of the case that my Hon. Friend raises. In doing so, she reminds us once again that we have to reduce violence against women and girls as a priority. It is one of the lead missions for this Government, and new measures will come forward on these matters early next year. There is a sentencing review under way, and I encourage her to contribute."