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Killer's Hospital Leave Sparks Mother's Outrage
19 Jan
Summary
- Daughter's killer Tape may get supervised leave from secure hospital.
- Victim's mother expresses anguish over the perceived leniency.
- Killer received indefinite hospital order for strangling girlfriend.
A mother is expressing profound anguish as her daughter's killer, Gogoa Lois Tape, is set to apply for supervised leave from the John Howard Centre in Hackney, East London. Tape was handed an indefinite hospital order after strangling his girlfriend, Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, in April 2024. The victim's mother, Linda Westcarr, feels the hospital order has prevented her family from grieving and that the system is broken.
Prosecutors dropped a murder charge against Tape, 28, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, citing mental health issues. Sentencing him last year, Judge Freya Newbery indicated his hospital stay would be lengthy. However, the family is distressed that Tape could be considered for community leave less than five months after sentencing, feeling he has 'escaped' punishment.
Advocates like Julian Hendy from HundredFamilies charity highlight that the law permits such offenders to apply for leave within six months of conviction, calling for urgent reform. The family fears a further tragedy if Tape's release is permitted, emphasizing their ongoing, unending grief and trauma.
