Call for murderers to be forced to reveal where victims's bodies are hidden

Marie McCourt's daughter disappeared in 1988 at the age of 22 and Ian Simms, a pub landlord, was found guilty of her murder even though her body was never found

Marie McCourt, pictured, with a photo of her daughter, Helen, who disappeared in 1988 at the age of 22 (Rex)

Murderers should be refused parole if they do not reveal where they hid their victims’ bodies, according to a new campaign by three grieving mothers.

Marie McCourt, 72, who has started the campaign with Joan Morson and Jean Taylor, has posted a petition on change.org calling for Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May to take action, The Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

Her daughter, Helen, disappeared in 1988 at the age of 22 and Ian Simms, a pub landlord, was found guilty of her murder even though her body was never found. He is due to have a parole hearing next month.

Ms McCourt told the Mirror: “To lose a loved one to murder is horrendous. But to then be denied their funeral – a chance to pay final respects and say final goodbyes, is a torture that never ends.

“My daughter’s case was only the third ever murder trial to take place without a body. Since then there has been a rise in these cases – up to six a year.

“To take another life is bad enough, but to destroy or hide a body causes immeasurable suffering to the victim’s loved ones. Without a deterrent, more families will experience this living nightmare.”

She was a friend of Winnie Johnson, whose 12-year-old son Keith Bennett was killed by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Ms Johnson died in 2012 and her son’s body is still missing.

“Time is running out. Please don’t let me die like Winnie – not knowing where my daughter is,” Ms McCourt said.

“While in prison there is at least a small chance he [Simms] might show compassion and end this torment. If he is freed, my last chance has gone. He could come out and literally dance on her grave.

“It would be like killing her twice over. I have fought for almost 28 years but his release would finish me.”

Her campaign has been named ‘Helen’s Law’ after her daughter and is being backed by two other mothers of murder victims.

Ms Taylor’s daughter, Chantel, 27, a mother-of-three, was killed in 2004 by a former school friend, who admitted the murder but has not said where he hid her dismembered remains. Ms Morson’s son Paul, 32, was murdered in 2011 and two former business partners were found guilty of torturing and killing him.

Labour MP Conor McGinn is also supporting the campaign. “The impact of a murder to the family and friends is devastating, even more so when the killer refuses to allow a dignified final resting place,” he said. “This is why I am adding my support to this campaign for the introduction of Helen’s Law.”