VICTORY: Legal aid has been granted

VICTORY: Legal aid has been granted

Guest blog piece by Lucy Herd via Change.org

After almost a thirty year battle to find justice for my mother Cherry Groce, we've finally been granted legal aid. This will allow us to have professional representation and actively participate fairly in her inquest.

Independent reports said that the events in 1985, when my innocent mother was shot by a police officer, sparking the Brixton riots, were a significant factor in her death in 2011. Despite numerous calls for legal aid to represent us at the inquest and unlock the truth surrounding her death our appeals were denied by The Legal Aid Agency.

But following our campaign, with over 133,000 of you supporting our family, national media coverage and help from Brixton MP Chuka Umunna, the Ministry of Justice were forced to intervene.

On Friday 11 April 2014 they said;

"Legal aid funding for lawyers to represent the family of Ms Groce at the forthcoming inquest into her death has now been granted. Having considered the request of the Legal Aid Agency, ministers have decided to authorise funding for this case. We hope that this legal representation will help her family and those who knew Ms Groce find out more  about the circumstances leading to her death."

Please share this news -- click here to tweet -- it will come as a beacon of hope to others in my shoes who feel they are not being heard. When we come together, we can’t be ignored.

This is not the end, we need to make sure that the inquest brings us justice. The inquest is due to start on 30 June. In the meantime you can follow me on Twitter for updates: @mrleelawrence

Thank you for all that you’ve done for our campaign.

Lee Lawrence,
 

Son of Cherry Groce

PS We have set up a charity to honour our mother's legacy dedicated to supporting those who have become disabled through tragedy, illness or accident. Please visit and support at: www.cherrytreetrust.org