The mother of a charitable worker who was fatally attacked by her boyfriend, a cannabis user, expressed disappointment in the Attorney General’s decision not to challenge the sentence. Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, 25, was killed in her car by her partner, Gogoa Tape, who then drove around with her body for two hours. Tape avoided jail by pleading guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. Despite receiving an indefinite hospital order, allowing potential release upon improvement, the Attorney General declined to reevaluate the case, prompting a strong reaction from Kennedi’s mother, Linda Westcarr.
Linda criticized the decision, stating that justice was not served for her daughter’s cruel death. She vowed to advocate for reform to prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies and ensure victims’ voices are heard. The family demanded an independent review of the CPS’s handling of the case, emphasizing the need for accountability and consultation with victims’ families.
During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Tape’s mental health issues but faced criticism for accepting his defense without thorough scrutiny. Campaigners raised concerns about the handling of the case and emphasized the importance of a review to prevent similar injustices. Various organizations and individuals expressed solidarity with Kennedi’s family and called for urgent reforms in the justice system to value and protect women’s lives.
In response, a spokesperson for the Attorney General expressed sympathy for Kennedi’s family but defended the decision not to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. The spokesperson cited the high threshold for challenging sentences under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, stating that the case did not meet the criteria for referral due to legal constraints.