More to be done to protect the vulnerable

30 November 2011

The reporting of hate crimes is increasing, but incidents remain underreported as a whole, an APPG hosted by Voice UK has heard.

Speaking at the third meeting of the Voice UK all-party parliamentary group, chaired by Labour's Ian Mearns MP, journalist Katharine Quarmby told distressing tales of disability hate crime.

Christine Lakinski, a disabled woman from Hartlepool, was beaten and then urinated on by her attackers as they left her to die.

In Sunderland, Brent Martin was kicked to death for a £5 bet.

And Michael Gilbert, who was affectionately known as the "big friendly giant", was "tortured, robbed and finally killed by a family who he considered to be as dear to him as his own, if not dearer."

Such cases form the basis of Quarmby's research which is included in her book, 'The Scapegoat: Why We Are Failing Disabled People'.

She drew attention to so-called 'mate' crimes, where attackers befriend disabled people only to later torture or murder them.

Quarmby's research found that the motivation of such offenders is shaped by "the fears and prejudices that have fuelled violence against disabled people for over 2,000 years".

She criticised influential politicians who add to these prejudices by suggesting that many receiving disability benefits do so fraudulently.

Quarmby, the former news editor of Disability Now, claims that far from being motiveless attacks, disability hate crimes are "reactive, angry crimes against disabled people who are demanding equal rights".

Answering a question from a detective inspector for the Metropolitan Police in the audience, Quarmby commended the Met's record in tackling disability hate crime.

She also suggested that given the Met's larger set of resources, it was well positioned to act as a model for other forces around the country.

However, she remained critical of instances where incidents are viewed in an isolated manner and not with a view to the wider picture which might ultimately prevent further abuse.

Quarmby also recommended that magistrates and police officers receive further training on the Criminal Justice Act 2005 which would help ensure appropriate sentences were given.

The meeting ended with Ian Mearns MP calling on those present to keep pressuring parliamentarians about this matter, so that questions can be asked in both Houses, and more can be done to protect the vulnerable.

Voice UK all party parliamentary group for equality and access to the criminal justice system for disabled people was held on Tuesday 29th November.

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