The provision of benefits to offenders in psychiatric hospitals may face cessation following a plea from a mother whose daughter was tragically murdered by her partner, urging for “genuine systemic reforms.”

Gogoa Lois Tape, 28, was sentenced to a hospital order last month after fatally attacking 25-year-old Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche in Hackney, east London, in April 2024.

Kennedi’s mother, Linda Westcarr, along with her uncle, met with Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden in Parliament on Monday to advocate for necessary changes.

After the discussion, McFadden stated that he had requested officials to explore potential adjustments to the benefits framework for individuals detained under hospital orders.

He expressed his intention to eliminate the loophole that permits offenders like Tape and Valdo Calocane to receive benefits.

Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, fatally stabbed two teenagers and received an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

McFadden remarked, “I was profoundly moved by my encounter with Linda and Leon Westcarr, who have exhibited remarkable courage and grace in the wake of Kennedi’s devastating loss.”

He added, “I’ve instructed officials to promptly report back regarding possible modifications to the benefits system that would prevent entitlements for offenders held in psychiatric facilities.”

Ms. Westcarr referred to the meetings as “a step towards being acknowledged” but emphasized, “My daughter’s murder requires more than mere expressions of sympathy—it calls for tangible action.”

She also advocated for the implementation of Jade’s Law, which would automatically suspend parental responsibilities in cases where an offender has taken the life of a partner or ex-partner with whom they share children.

She stated, “We need authentic systemic changes, including the prohibition of benefits for killers placed in hospitals, and the enactment of Jade’s Law, to ensure that victims are prioritized in our justice system.”

A response from the government has been sought.

Gogoa Lois Tape was initially charged with murder after choking Ms. Westcarr-Sabaroche in Hackney, east London, in April of the previous year.

However, prosecutors accepted a guilty plea for manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

In September, he was placed under an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act, which noted he was an “undiagnosed schizophrenic” during the incident.

The Westcarr family also met with Jess Phillips, the minister responsible for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, as well as victims minister Alex Davies-Jones.

Ms. Westcarr expressed her frustration at still waiting for a meeting with the Prime Minister after having reached out over six weeks ago and also desires to discuss the matter with Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary David Lammy.

“I publicly urge Sir Keir Starmer and the Lord Chancellor to meet with me so I can address the numerous failings evident in Kennedi’s case.

“I sincerely hope that the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor will be willing to meet with me, look me in the eye, and commit to substantial changes so that no other family has to suffer as mine has.”