As the Government reviews its early release policy, we stand with the family of Archie York in their campaign for a change to ensure those responsible for the death of a child through serious criminal wrongdoing cannot benefit from early release.
Archie was just seven years old when his life was taken. His loss devastated his family and left a lasting impact on communities across Newcastle. Since this tragedy, we have supported Archie's family in their pursuit of justice, and we continue to stand alongside them as they campaign for change.
Councillor Colin Ferguson, Leader of Newcastle City Council said:
“I welcome the decision to review the early release scheme. I do not believe the full implications of what this could mean for victims' families, communities and public confidence in the justice system have been fully considered.
“Archie York was just seven years old when his life was cruelly taken from him. He was asleep in his own home, a place where every child should feel safe and protected. Instead, his family suffered the unimaginable horror of losing a beloved son through no fault of their own.
“Archie’s death was not a tragic accident. It was the consequence of reckless and criminal actions committed by someone who was fully aware of the serious and obvious risks their behaviour posed to those living around them. Those choices robbed a young boy of his future, devastated a family, and left a lasting scar on an entire community.
“The prospect of those responsible for the death of a child being released early is deeply distressing for bereaved families and risks undermining public confidence in the justice system. For families already living with unimaginable grief, it can feel as though their pain is being overlooked.
“We owe it to Archie. We owe it to his family. And we owe it to every child and every community affected by such heartbreaking tragedies to ensure our laws properly reflect the seriousness of these offences.
“It is essential that families’ voices are heard by the Criminal Justice System. That would not erase the suffering caused, but it would demonstrate our collective commitment to accountability, public safety and respect for the lives that have been lost.”