Baroness Newlove, the victims campaigner whose husband Garry was murdered by gang of teenagers, has died

Baroness Newlove, the Victims' Commissioner and campaigner, whose husband Garry was murdered by a gang of teenagers in 2007, has died aged 63.

In a statement, the Office of the Victims' Commissioner said: "We are deeply saddened to share that Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, has passed away following a short illness. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.

"Helen was a committed and passionate advocate for victims, drawing on her own experience of the criminal justice system. She was determined that all victims should be treated with compassion, decency and respect - and she consistently led by example."

Baroness Newlove had called for the death penalty to be brought back after her husband was killed and had campaigned on behalf of victims of crime since.

She first served as the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales for six years from March 2013 to May 2019 before being re-appointed in October 2023. She was due to serve until the end of the year.

Mr Newlove, a salesman with a plastics company, left his home to remonstrate with the group of drunk teenagers who had damaged his wife's car.

He was kicked "like a football" in front of his terrified wife and three daughters. He suffered massive head injuries and died two days later in hospital.

Three teenagers were found guilty in January 2008 of the murder, which was the trial heard was committed after a seven-hour drinking binge.

In the wake of the shocking crime, Baroness Newlove became a national voice for victims - campaigning for authorities to take action against persistent anti-social behaviour and youth violence following her husband's killing.

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In 2010, Lady Newlove was made a life peer for her work on youth crime.

As Victims' Commissioner, she laid the groundwork for victims' rights to be enshrined in law, and last month published the biggest survey of victims ever carried out by the independent body.

Justice Secretary David Lammy paid tribute, saying he was "deeply saddened" to learn of Lady Newlove's death.

The deputy prime minister said: "As both Victims' Commissioner, and deputy speaker in the House of Lords, Helen brought unparalleled experience and dedication to her roles.

"She championed the rights of victims and witnesses and held agencies to account.

"Her leadership shaped the Victims' Code, strengthened victims' voices in the criminal justice system, and ensured that the Victims and Prisoners Act progressed with victims' interests at its heart."

He added: "Helen was an extraordinary public servant whose life's work and her legacy are defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

"My thoughts remain with her family and her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."

Former prime minister David Cameron posted on X: "Desperately sad to hear that Helen Newlove has died. Helen was so wonderful, warm, brave and plain speaking. She suffered the tragedy of watching her beloved husband, Garry, being murdered by thugs - and then turned that experience into a second life of service.

"Service to her community, to the country and to parliament - but, most of all, service to victims of crime to make sure they got a proper hearing and a better deal.

"It was a privilege to meet her and an honour to help her into a position where she could dedicate herself to the service of others.

"My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Helen's husband, Paul, and her daughters, Zoe, Danielle and Amy. Helen leaves a legacy that they - and we all - can be proud of."

Several other peers paid tribute in the House of Lords.

(c) Sky News 2025: Baroness Newlove, the victims campaigner whose husband Garry was murdered by gang of teenagers,