New law to convict child killers

It follows a two-year campaign by The Argus after the death of four-year-old John Smith.

The boy was left with 54 injuries after a catalogue of abuse but adoptive parents Simon and Michelle McWilliam, from Southwick, were only jailed for eight years on cruelty charges.

Murder charges were dropped because it could not be proved who delivered the fatal blows.

The same loophole allowed another Sussex couple to avoid murder convictions, despite being jailed for cruelty after the deaths of three children.

They could not be convicted of murder even though the court heard evidence of how the father would put his nicotine-stained fingers down the babies' throats to stop them crying and medical experts said they were sure all three babies had been smothered.

Yesterday's Queen's Speech revealed the Government would finally close the legal loophole.

The new law will mean anyone refusing to state who was responsible could face up to 14 years in prison.

John's grandfather, James Sweeney, who supported The Argus campaign, said: "At last we have justice for my boy and maybe this will stop other people harming children. Thank you to The Argus. What you have done is fantastic."

Mr Sweeney, 72, of Haliburton Road, Hove, visited the grave of his grandson to tell him the news.

Former detective inspector Malcolm Bacon, who investigated the deaths and researched the problem nationwide, said: "This is tremendous news for The Argus and everyone who campaigned.

"Sadly, it can't bring these innocent children back but it will go a long way to stopping guardians getting away with murder in the future."

John Smith's aunt, Linda Terry, launched her own Justice For John campaign and received a letter from the Queen, expressing her support.

Ms Terry said: "This was not just for John but for all children murdered by people who get away with it."

The Government also unveiled a long-awaited "gay marriage" Bill to allow homosexuals to sign an official document at a register office in front of the registrar and two witnesses.

They will be granted the same legal rights as married couples to benefit from a dead partner's pension, grant next-of-kin rights in hospitals and exempt them from inheritance tax on a partner's home.

They would also have the right to register their partner's death and be able to continue tenancy of a property.

Ministers stressed gay couples would be expected to meet responsibilities under the new arrangements, as well as gain certain rights.

For example, during each "marriage", gay couples would be able to gain parental responsibility for each other's children and be obliged to support each other financially.

Kemp Town Labour MP Des Turner said: "This is the final piece of the jigsaw with regard to getting equality for the large gay and lesbian population we have in the city.

"My concern is the legislation should also apply to different sex couples who have actually decided not to marry."

Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill said: "This is a hugely significant milestone.

"Hundreds of thousands of gay couples have undergone real suffering because the law does not recognise their long-term relationships."

Rogue landlords also face a crackdown after elements of Dr Turner's failed Private Member's Bill on energy conservation from the last Parliament were taken into a new draft Housing Bill.

Landlords who own houses of multiple occupation will be subject to a licensing scheme.

They will have to prove they provide a decent level of facilities and have taken fire safety precautions.

Charity collectors also face tough curbs under a draft Charities Bill trailed in the speech.

The Government is concerned "chuggers" could be undermining the public's faith in charity collections by causing a nuisance to people who object to being stopped in the street and asked for direct debit donations.

Fund-raising firms have increased in the past five years, exploiting a loophole in pre-war legislation which only covers cash donations.