Chuka Umunna MP

In this video, Chuka talks to Streatham resident, Jennifer McDermott. Jennifer’s daughter, Cassandra, was killed in 2001 at her home in Streatham aged 19, as a result of domestic violence. Her killer – Mario Celaire – was cleared of her murder in 2002 but, as a result of a change in the law regarding double jeapoardy, was re-tried and found guilty of Cassandra’s manslaughter in May 2009.

The double jeopardy rule had previously stopped defendants from being tried twice for the same crime on the same set of facts. The MacPherson Report, which resulted from the investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, suggested that the rule be amended so that where “fresh and viable” new evidence came to light in a case, a defendant could be retried. As a result the government passed into law the 2003 Criminal Justice Act which allows retrials if there is “new” and “compelling” evidence.

Celaire’s was the first high profile retrial to take place under the Act where a defendant had previously been acquitted and was then found guilty on retrial. In this case he had beaten up another girlfriend after Cassandra’s death. He confessed to attacking Cassandra to the other girlfriend who, after his attack on her with a hammer, was left paralysed and barely able to speak. However, she lived to tell her story in court and provide the new evidence needed for a retrial of Cassandra’s killing to take place.

Jennifer, Cassandra’s mother, has set up the Cassandra Learning Centre in her daughter’s memory, a charity with the mission of raising awareness of domestic violence in young adults’ relationships. Chuka is a strong supporter of the charity.

Domestic violence is a significant problem both nationally and in Lambeth, which has the highest rate of domestic violence in London. Nearly one in three women in the UK have experienced domestic violence.

Earlier this year, the government launched a consultation on proposals to end domestic abuse, including ways in which police and court powers could be strengthened to control violent perpetrators, particularly serial offenders who move between relationships. Both the public, voluntary groups and charities are being consulted in order to build on what has already been achieved, such as the increase in conviction and prosecution rates over the past ten years.

For more information, visit the Home Office website here: Domestic Violence.

Chuka and Keith Hill, Member of Parliament for Streatham, headed down to enjoy and lend their support this afternoon to Brixton Splash, the Brixton street festival.   The festival includes live music, poetry, art exhibitions, street theatre, crafts, children’s activities, food sales, sound systems and domino competitions.  The event aims to involve people from all walks of life, providing something for everyone to participate and enjoy themselves.

 More Brixton Splash 2009 photos can be found here: Brixton Splash

Here in Lambeth there is so much going on for young people at the moment, and the work of Lambeth’s Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) goes from strength to strength.

Over the summer, the CYPS is running an extensive Holiday Activities Programme for children and young people, with activities ranging from creative arts to sport. Under 16s will also benefit from free use of the borough’s swimming and tennis facilities.

The Lambeth Summer University programme gives young people the opportunity to take part in courses and gain qualifications over the summer break. These include sport, photography and digital media as well as performing arts such as capoeira.

These projects dovetail with Young Lambeth’s recently-launched ‘Check the Label’ campaign to tackle the negative image of young people which is too often portrayed, as well as highlighting the support on offer for young people. The campaign focuses on real examples of local youngsters doing positive things in the community.

Last year, Lambeth launched a Young and Safe action plan which included an additional two million pounds investment in provision for young people, ensuring that youth facilities can open seven days a week.

The Young Lambeth website has more information on the summer programmes and the youth service’s work.