Fresh petition set to get justice for Becky Godden-Edwards (From Swindon Advertiser)

Fresh petition set to get justice for Becky Godden-Edwards

9:10am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Scott D'Arcy

A PAPER petition has been launched in a bid to reform police procedure in the wake of the killings of Sian O’Callaghan and Becky Godden-Edwards.

Karen Edwards, the mother of murdered Becky, started an online petition on the Government’s website calling for an urgent review of the Police And Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

But after an initially strong start, the online version has only gained 1,045 signatories within three months and so the 52-year-old has decided to use the old-fashioned method of a paper petition to boost numbers.

A total of 10,000 signatures are required before the Home Office will respond, And 100,000 signatures are needed for the issue to be considered for debate by MPs.

Karen’s actions follow a decision by a top judge that a senior detective breached the codes of practice in interviews with the tragic 29-year-old’s killer.

Last October, Christopher Halliwell, of Asbury Avenue, Nythe, was jailed for life at Bristol Crown Court after admitting Sian O’Callaghan’s murder.

But, despite also leading detectives to Becky’s body, a ruling by Mrs Justice Cox to exclude his confession as evidence in a potential trial meant Wiltshire Police had no other evidence to link him to her killing and the second charge was withdrawn.

Karen said: “I had plenty of people coming up and saying ‘we don’t have an email or a computer’, and so I thought I should get out and do it the old-fashioned way.

“I managed to collect 260 signatures just at one charity event and I’ve called in a few favours to get the petition around town.

“I’m hoping businesses will keep them in reception so visitors and staff can sign them.

“I have to do it. I can’t and I won’t rest until I’ve got justice for Becky because she deserves it.”

To sign the online petition visit epetitions.direct.gov.uk/ and search for Justice For Becky, click ‘sign’ and then click the link in the verification email.

The paper petition is available in the town, including Debenhams in the town centre and Christ Church, in Old Town.