John and Claire Croucher are calling for mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted of a third sexual offence, arguing that their daughter Leah and son Haydon might both have been saved had such a law been in place.
More than 77,000 people have signed a petition supporting the introduction of “Leah’s Law”, a campaign led by the parents of murdered teenager Leah Croucher to strengthen the punishment of repeat sexual offenders.
John and Claire Croucher hope growing public support will help bring about changes to the law and prevent other families from suffering the devastating loss they have endured.
The campaign follows the murder of their 19-year-old daughter, whose remains were discovered more than three years after she disappeared in Milton Keynes.
What is Leah’s Law?
The proposed law would introduce a mandatory minimum sentence for anyone convicted of a third sexual offence.
Leah’s parents believe tougher sentencing for repeat offenders could help protect the public and prevent further tragedies. They argue that had such legislation been in place, their daughter might still be alive.
The petition calls on the government to take action, with thousands of people already adding their names in support of the family’s campaign.
Sign The Petition👉 https://www.change.org/p/leah-s-law-mandatory-sentences-for-repeat-sex-offenders
The tragic story behind the petition
Leah disappeared on 15 February 2019 while walking to work in Milton Keynes. Despite an extensive search, her whereabouts remained unknown for more than three years.
In October 2022, her remains were discovered inside a house less than half a mile from her family home.
Leah had been murdered by Neil Maxwell, a repeat sex offender who was on the run from police at the time of her disappearance. Maxwell died by suicide in April 2019, just two months after Leah went missing.
The family’s suffering extended beyond the loss of their daughter. Leah’s brother, Haydon Croucher, took his own life nine months after she disappeared. His parents said he had struggled with not knowing what had happened to his sister.
John and Claire have described losing Leah as “torture” and are determined to turn their family’s experience into a campaign for change.
They believe both siblings could have been saved had Leah’s Law already been in place.
Government response
The Ministry of Justice has said it has taken steps to strengthen how sex offenders are risk-assessed and to ensure complex cases are assigned to more experienced probation officers.
A spokesperson said:
“Sentencing decisions are made by independent judges in line with sentencing guidelines, but our message is clear – repeat offenders must face consequences that cut crime and protect the public.”
The Croucher family’s campaign seeks further action through mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted of a third sexual offence.
How to support Leah’s Law
With more than 80,000 signatures already collected, the campaign is seeking further public support to increase pressure for legislative change.
John and Claire hope people will stand behind their campaign and help ensure their daughter’s name is associated with efforts to protect others from similar tragedies.
You can support the Croucher family by signing the petition calling for Leah’s Law.
👉 https://www.change.org/p/leah-s-law-mandatory-sentences-for-repeat-sex-offenders