A MOTHER whose daughter was murdered in 2010 has received an MBE in the New Year Honours published this morning.
Penny Clough (53), of Stonecroft, Barrowford, has been recognised after successfully campaigning for a change to the law relating to bail.
Her daughter, Jane – a nurse at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital – was murdered in 2010 by her ex-partner after he was released on bail having been charged with rape and assault offences.
Penny and her husband John helped to set up the Justice for Jane Campaign following their daughter’s death and, earlier this year, the law was changed to allow prosecutors to challenge judges’ bail decisions in the Court of Appeal.
She first found out about the award by letter around a month ago and at first wondered if John had also got one – but her inquiries found he had not.
“We have done everything together for the campaign. It has been a joint effort but only one half has been rewarded. We will have to share it. It will be for the both of us,” said Penny.
She also said the news had presented the couple with an ethical query.
“We have received the award from the Crown after we have been highly critical of the Crown’s judiciary and some of the terrible decisions some of the judges have made,” she said.