‘JUSTICE For Jane’ campaigners today hailed a ‘huge step forward’ in their bid to change the Bail Act.

The Government have accepted ‘in principle’ John and Penny Clough’s proposals in the name of their murdered daughter Jane.

The 25-year-old Barrowford nurse was killed by her ex-boyfriend Jonathan Vass who had been allowed out on bail despite being charged with raping her.

Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, Crispin Blunt MP, speaking during the Committee stage of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill paid tribute to John and Penny Clough, who were in the public gallery.

He said that the Government agreed “in principle” with the Bail (Amendment) Bill that was proposed by Andrew Stephenson MP in June 2011.

He said the government would like to include the change in the law as part of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill currently before Parliament, they just needed to agree the exact details of how it would work in practice.

Speaking after the Committee, Mr Stephenson said: “Today represents a huge step forward for Jane’s family, friends and everyone who has campaigned to change the law.

“There was cross party support for my Bail (Amendment) Bill and I was delighted to see that Ministers have listened and taken on board what we were arguing for.”

“This change in the law would be a significant step forward for victims and I am delighted it could become law as early as March next year. We can’t claim victory yet, but today represents a huge step forward for the Justice for Jane campaign and everyone should be proud of what they have achieved so far.”

John said: “We are very pleased to have the Government’s support on this. We were told we had put forward a good argument for this to come into legislation.

“I hope Jane would be pleased with the work we are doing in her name. She was never one to be in the public eye.

“But I think with what’s happened to her we’ve had no choice and I think and hope she would be proud.”

timeline Summer 2009 - Vass allegedly rapes Jane Dec 2009 - Jane reports Vass to police, Vass is charged Dec 11, 2009 - Vass is released on bail March 2010 - Jane writes in her diary: “I've been worrying today about Jonny coming to get me, even killing me. What would stop him?"

July 25, 2010 - Vass kills Jane outside Blackpool Victoria Hospital Oct, 2010 - Vass pleads guilty to murder. He is later sentenced to life.

Late 2010 - Clough family begin campaign on Bail laws June 2011 - Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson submits 10-minute amendment on Bail Act Sept 2011 - Justice minister Nick Herbert suggests Government ready to act

Timeline of events

  • Summer, 2009 - Vass allegedly rapes Jane.
  • December, 2009 - Jane reports Vass to police, Vass is charged.
  • December 11, 2009 - Vass is released on bail.
  • March, 2010 - Jane writes in her diary: “I've been worrying today about Jonny coming to get me, even killing me. What would stop him?"
  • July 25, 2010 - Vass kills Jane outside Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
  • October, 2010 - Vass pleads guilty to murder. He is later sentenced to life.
  • Late 2010 - Clough family begin campaign on Bail laws.
  • June, 2011 - Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson submits 10-minute amendment on Bail Act.
  • n September, 2011 - Justice minister Nick Herbert suggests Government is ready to act.