What about the Victim?

In a murder trial the Victim's absence is inevitable...while a Victim who is badly injured but recovers can attend the Court and whose presence can have a salutary effect on the Defendant, Lawyers and the Jury...this is not possible in a Murder Trial. Those of us whose loved-ones have been murdered believe that a photograph or picture of the deceased should be displayed in the Court to ensure that nobody involved in the case/trial forgets why they are there...

Who do you turn to when you are told you cannot bury your child or loved-one because the Defendant(s) may request second or subsequent post mortems? Or when the case ends in an Acquittal on a technicality or because a witness has been deterred from giving evidence? No doubt there are lawyers able to help on such matters but they must be hired privately as public funds in Criminal cases are only available to the suspect.

How does this help the administration of Justice or Public Confidence in the Law? What does it say about the value we put on the Human Rights of the Victim and their Family?

Westley Odger Speaks...

On the 12th September, 2005 (only weeks after I celebrated my 27th Birthday on the 18th August), having set out from home on the bright sunny morning...the day looked good and full of promise! I'd spoken to my brother Lee early and cycled from my home, a couple of miles away, to his home as arranged. We chatted and had a good time...later, during the afternoon I left my brother's to visit the Citizen's Advice Office nearby and then on to draw some cash...leaving Lee waiting at home in his flat, telling him "I shouldn't be that long, I'll tap on the window when I get back!" Neither Lee, nor the rest of my family were to see me alive again. I speak and live on in their hearts, they are now my voice...

At around 3pm on the 12th September, 2005 I went to the Nationwide cash machine at the Hunwicke Shops on the Greenstead Estate, Colchester, Essex and during the time that I was attempting to withdraw cash, was fatally assaulted. My life swiftly taken by 'one stab wound' in the neck. The blow delivered by one of the two brothers, both subsequently charged with my murder...Mark Anthony Fredericks and Andrew Seymour Fredericks. The Trial was set down for Hearing on the 19th July, 2006 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

I intend to speak about this case and the Trial through the experience, the pain and the fight necessary to see I am heard...by my Mother Ann, my Brother Lee and my Sister Rachael. There's also other information on www.KnifeCrimes.Org which is our charity website.

My Mother says... "My Son, Westley Odger was murdered in Colchester, Essex on the 12th September, 2005. Two brothers have been charged with his Murder (go to www.google.co.uk and type in the search 'Westley Odger' for more information). A Trial was set for the Hearing to start on the 19th July, 2006 by which time more than 10 months would have elapsed with all the questions, a constant torture. Worse still is the realisation that the Victim has 'NO VOICE' in our current Judicial system. He is my beloved Son...but I'm unable to speak for him at his Trial...or Defend whatever 'untruths' may be levelled against him to mitigate the perpetrators' of his death? The system as it stands making me, and the rest of my family feel completely excluded and marginalised. At the Trial it seems that the Prosecuting Counsel are able to speak of my Son, Westley (the Victim), the Defence Counsel, the Frederick Brothers (charged with Westley's Murder)...the Judge, and Witnesses to the crime itself! But I, Westley's Mother, the person who knew him best...has 'NO RIGHT' to speak for him at the Trial...'NO VOICE' whatsoever? Westley's bereaved Sister, and his Brother and other members of our family to whom Westley's Murder, and this case, matters most...have to be 'SILENT'!!!

One of the hardest things to bear is the wait to hold a Funeral Service...we had to wait 'til the 30th November, 2005...3 months from his life being taken. Having taken Westley's life his 'Killers' were still controlling the release of his body? How can this be right?"

What do you think? Have your say too...send me your comments. More information will be posted later. Please view again.