Greater Manchester MPs back Manchester Evening News' campaign to protect victims of domestic abuse

MPs across Greater Manchester have backed a Manchester Evening News campaign to protect victims of domestic abuse.

The M.E.N. is calling for a mandatory prison sentence for breaches of protective orders. It comes one year after Caroline Gore was killed by her abusive ex-partner less than four weeks after he was spared jail despite breaching a restraining order against her twice.

David Liptrot, 55, walked free after receiving a suspended sentence in October 2023 for breaching the order which prohibited him from contacting her a second time. In August this year, he was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for the murder of Caroline, 43.

READ MORE: He was allowed to walk free... weeks later she was dead

Speaking to the M.E.N. after the sentencing, Jo Gore said the justice system failed her sister and called for the law to change when it comes to those with a history of domestic abuse receiving a suspended sentence for breaching restraining orders. The M.E.N. is now calling on the government to introduce a mandatory minimum jail term for breaches of protective orders, like the one Liptrot ignored.

Hundreds of people have already signed our petition which was launched on Sunday (November 3). Our campaign has also been backed by domestic abuse charities, Wigan council and MPs, including one who has vowed to help bring about 'meaningful change'.

Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt said: "Caroline’s tragic death highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for women and families facing abuse. A minimum jail term would send a powerful message that breaches will not be tolerated, while also allowing essential time to safeguard victims and intervene with offenders.

"I am proud to support a government dedicated to halving violence against women and girls in a decade, starting with vital actions: deploying domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, overhauling protection orders, ensuring police have necessary powers to monitor and address dangerous offenders, and educating young people in schools on healthy relationships and consent. I am committed to honouring Caroline’s legacy by supporting this campaign at every level, locally and nationally, to help bring about meaningful change."

Support our campaign here.

Also backing the campaign, Worsley and Eccles MP Michael Wheeler said: "The murder of Caroline Gore in Wigan last year was a tragic case and I greatly sympathise with Caroline’s family and friends for their sad loss. Their loss should spur real action on greater protection. A minimum sentence would not only be a deterrent for those who breach protection orders, but also prevent escalation.

"It is good that this issue is being highlighted by this campaign, which I wholeheartedly support. I will work with my colleague, Jo Platt MP, to strengthen this area of law and provide better protection to those facing harassment, stalking or violence. I’m proud that we are both working in support of a Labour Government committed to halving violence against women and girls over the next decade."

Bury North MP James Frith has also backed it. In a post on X, he wrote: "Strong campaign from @MENnewsdesk and one I support."

Commenting on the 'tragic' case that led to the M.E.N.'s campaign, fellow Labour MP Josh Simons who represents Makerfield said, "Caroline Gore's murder was tragic and raises pressing concerns about those who repeatedly breach protection orders. I’m proud that tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for this government and I look forward to seeing changes in this area. That should include exploring the use of tagging and exclusion zones to prevent crimes like this, as well as punishing them after the fact."

The government has also responded to our campaign. A government spokesperson said: "What happened to Caroline is just horrific.

"This government has a mission to halve violence against women and girls in 10 years. We are going further to protect victims of domestic abuse, which is why we are launching a pilot for new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders later this month in police forces and courts including in Greater Manchester.

"These new, strengthened orders will not have a minimum or maximum duration, allowing victims to obtain the protection they require for as long as needed, and will give the police and courts the powers to impose tougher restrictions on perpetrators."