The sister of a young girl who was murdered by her uncle has become the first victim of serious crime to speak at a parole board hearing in Northern Ireland.
Liz Adair, whose eight-year-old sister Sue-Ellen was abducted and murdered by her uncle John Clifford in 1988, presented her victim impact statement directly to a parole board hearing for the child killer this week via videolink and hopes that this milestone will allow other victim's voices to be heard.
She is a member of Voicing the Void's Right to be Heard campaign, where victims of serious crime are calling for greater representation of victims in the justice system. This includes allowing them to speak at parole board hearings to highlight the impact these crimes have had on them, a practice that is common throughout other parts of the UK.
Read more: Family members of murder victims launch campaign to speak at parole hearings
Following the hearing, Liz said: "For years, victims like me have been sidelined in decisions that directly impact our lives. Being able to present my statement was empowering, but it also showed me how many other victims are still being left out of the process. No one should have to fight to be heard in a system that is meant to deliver justice. I hope my case paves the way for others, so that no victim is left voiceless."
Following the milestone parole board hearing, Liz and other members of the Right to be Heard campaign met with Victim's Commissioner Geraldine Hanna to discuss key areas of reform.
They presented her with a list of recommendations which include:
• Mandatory victim notification: Ensuring that all victims are informed of their right to participate in parole hearings.
• Legislative reform: Advocating for victims to be allowed to read their personal impact statements in criminal courts, including both magistrates' and Crown courts, following a guilty verdict. This right is already in place in England, Scotland, and Wales, and we are pushing for similar reforms in Northern Ireland to ensure that victims have a direct voice in the court process.
• Addressing systemic delays and communication failures within the justice system to prevent victims from being left in the dark about key decisions.
Commissioner Designate Hanna, said that Liz's parole board hearing appearance was an important first step for victims in Northern Ireland
"Victims should not have to fight for the right to be heard. Liz's milestone is an important step, but it also highlights how much work still needs to be done. We must ensure that victims have real opportunities to participate in the justice process, not just as an afterthought, but as a fundamental part of decision-making.
"I will continue working alongside victims, advocates, and policymakers to ensure that their voices are at the heart of justice reform."
Rory Doherty, Chief Executive Officer at Voicing the Void, said: "Liz’s bravery in presenting her impact statement was a pivotal moment in amplifying victims' voices within the justice system. Her courage highlights the importance of reclaiming agency in a process that has long excluded victims.
"Many victims often feel voiceless and powerless throughout the judicial process, and providing them the option to participate helps to empower them, giving them a sense of control and respect, something that is often violated during the offence itself.
"Our ‘Right to Be Heard’ campaign is just beginning, and while not every victim will choose to participate, it’s about offering them the agency and respect to make that choice, with the appropriate support. We are committed to ensuring that victims’ voices are heard, allowing them to influence the decisions that directly impact their lives and wider society."
Voicing the Void says it will continue working with victims, policymakers, and justice stakeholders to ensure long-term legislative and procedural changes. Raising awareness and embedding victims' voices at the heart of justice reform remains a key priority.
It will be hosting an event as part of its campaign on March 26 in the Long Gallery at Stormont which will be an opportunity to hear directly from those affected by the justice system, discuss victim rights, and explore how storytelling can create policy change.
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