Helen's Law
- By nbaughen
- •
- 13 Jan, 2021
Marie McCourt and Fiona Duffy at CrimeCon UK
One day in February 1988, 22-year-old Helen McCourt went out to work as normal. But she never came home. That night, Marie McCourt’s identity as an ordinary, working mum was destroyed entirely.
Helen’s disappearance triggered one of the largest missing person’s enquiries in the country. Due to overwhelming and ground-breaking forensic evidence, local pub landlord Ian Simms was charged and convicted of her murder. The case made global headlines as the first murder conviction without a body to use DNA evidence. It was also believed to be only the third ever ‘missing body murder’ conviction in Britain since the Second World War.
Simms has refused to say where Helen’s body is, meaning her remains have never been recovered.
The emotional anguish that this has caused Helen’s family cannot be expressed in text. But they have never given up on Helen. Determined that her daughter should have a decent, Christian burial, Helen’s devoutly Catholic mother Marie began a heart-breaking quest to find Helen’s remains and bring her home. The next three decades saw her embark on gruelling searches, become a champion for victims’ rights, and take her fight for justice all the way to Westminster.
During her campaign, Marie met journalist Fiona Duffy. The two women forged a lifelong friendship resulting in countless articles and an award-winning campaign for justice for the families of missing murder victims; these awards include the UK Press Gazette British Journalism Awards for Campaign of the Year (2019) and the Journalism Matters Making a Difference Award (2020).
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Marie McCourt and other campaigners, on 15th December 2020 Helen’s Law was passed. As Justice Secretary & Lord Chancellor Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP said: “Helen’s Law makes it absolutely clear that murderers and evil sexual offenders who refuse to disclose information about their victims should expect to face longer behind bars.”
Together, Marie and Fiona have written ‘Justice for Helen’, a book detailing their campaign for justice. We are honoured that both Marie and Fiona will be appearing at CrimeCon UK in 2021, where they will be sharing their experiences around Helen’s harrowing case and the monumental legislative change that followed it. By providing a platform for the stories of victims and their families, we hope to honour those affected by crime and facilitate positive societal change.
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
