Home / Crime and Justice / Sycamore Sapling Honors Murdered Teen
Sycamore Sapling Honors Murdered Teen
3 Dec
Summary
- A sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree honors murdered teen Holly Newton.
- Her mother campaigns for 'Holly's Law' to protect under-16s in abusive relationships.
- No domestic homicide review was conducted due to age classification.
A sapling from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree will be planted to commemorate Holly Newton, who was murdered at 15 by her ex-boyfriend in January 2023. Holly's mother, Micala Trussler, marks the nearly three-year anniversary of her daughter's death by highlighting the ongoing struggle against violence affecting young women and girls.
Trussler is campaigning for 'Holly's Law,' aiming to change the legal framework that classifies individuals under 16 as children, thereby excluding them from domestic abuse victim status. This classification, she argues, impedes vital education, police intervention, and support from charities, preventing young people from recognizing unhealthy relationships.
The family's efforts are driven by the desire to prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies. Despite government assurances, Trussler feels unheard and urges a prompt response to their calls for legislative reform to safeguard under-16s and address teenage relationship abuse.
