A PETITION calling for a change in the law regarding parental responsibility following the murder of a Deeside mum is nearing 20,000 signatures.

On April 6, Russell Marsh, from Shotton, was found guilty of murdering his estranged wife, Jade Ward.

Following a two-and-a-half-week trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict that Marsh had murdered the 27-year-old mum-of-four at her home on Chevrons Road on the night of August 25, 2021 - just days after they had separated.

Read more: Jade Ward's parents speak about impact of murder on her family

The Leader:

Despite Marsh's conviction, he is still entitled to ask for school reports, receive updates and have a say in his children’s upbringing while serving his life sentence in prison.

And last week, a petition was launched calling for the automatic suspension of parental responsibility (PR) rights of any parent found guilty of murdering the other parent.

The petition seeks to provide a mechanism within existing legislation whereupon a person with parental responsibility is found guilty of murdering the other parent with PR, has their PR automatically suspended throughout the duration of the term of imprisonment.

Set up by Edwin Duggan, a close friend of Jade's, the online petition has so far collected 19,000 signatures - already surpassing standard 10,000 signatures needed in order to receive a response from the UK Government.

If the petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Edwin said: "I knew Jade from a very young age and am a close friend of the family. I hope we can do her justice through this new petition."

To sign the petition, click here.