Mother's Heartbreaking Revelation Sparks Legal Reform Campaign
Coral Jones, the mother of murdered five-year-old April Jones, has shared the devastating detail that her daughter's coffin was filled with just "a few bits of bone" and sand to add weight. This revelation comes as the UK government announces a fresh review of legislation concerning the desecration of bodies, following sustained campaigning by grieving families.
A Campaign for Change
Coral, 54, has been fighting alongside other bereaved families for new laws that would specifically punish killers who desecrate the bodies of their victims. She explained that, legally, April remains missing because so little of her remains were recovered after she was snatched by Mark Bridger outside her family home in Machynlleth, Powys, in October 2012.
"By rights, by law, April is still missing. We don't have a body," Coral stated. "Inside her coffin were a few bits of bone – then it was filled with sand to make up the weight. Having the body means being able to say goodbye - instead of waking up and having nightmares thinking 'where is she?'"
Government Review Announced
Following appeals from campaigners, the government has now asked the Law Commission to review current legislation. The review, scheduled to begin later this year and expected to take approximately two years, will examine whether an explicit offence of desecration of a corpse should be introduced in England and Wales.
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said: "It is difficult enough to imagine the horror of finding out a loved one has been murdered but discovering that their body has been mutilated or maimed causes unspeakable and enduring agony to victims' families."
Helen's Law Part 2 Campaign
Coral has joined the "Helen's Law Part 2: Stop the Desecration" campaign, founded by Marie McCourt, whose daughter Helen's remains have never been found. The original Helen's Law, established in 2020 after years of campaigning by Marie, ensures that hiding a body is considered during parole hearings.
Marie McCourt, 82, said: "I have spent almost 40 years calling for change and feel enormous relief that lawmakers are finally listening. Knowing your loved one has been treated so appallingly is a torture like no other."
Welsh Senedd Unanimous Support
In an emotional debate this week, the Welsh Senedd unanimously passed a motion urging the UK government to prioritise legislation without delay. Cefin Campbell, who led the Members Bill backing the campaign, told the chamber: "Coral Jones lives every day with the knowledge of what was done to her daughter's body after death – knowledge that continues to haunt her."
He added: "Families cannot wait. By supporting this motion in the Senedd today we can send a clear message that there is political will for reform."
Other Families Join the Fight
The campaign has united several families affected by similar tragedies. Lesley Rees, sister of Mike O'Leary who was murdered in 2020, said: "There is a large emptiness in our hearts – made worse by the knowledge of knowing his body was treated in such a barbaric way after his life was taken."
Susan and Jeremy Everard, parents of Sarah Everard, also expressed support: "We are extremely pleased that the issue of corpse desecration is to be reviewed by the Law Commission and are hopeful that this will lead to new legislation."
April's Legacy
Coral recalled that on the night of her murder, April had been allowed to play outside as a treat following a good parents' evening report. Born two months prematurely and diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy at age three, April had been making good progress, even starting to speak Welsh at school.
This spring would have marked April's 19th birthday. Coral poignantly reflected: "Although time has passed it's also stood still. In my head and in my heart she will always be five."
The Law Commission spokesperson confirmed the review would "look at gaps and deficiencies in the criminal law, and consider what reform is needed to assure the dignity and respect of deceased bodies."
