Meeting with MP gives hope to family of tragic Gemma

A mum who is fighting for a public inquiry into the death of her daughter at the hands of her boyfriend says she is 'optimistic' after a meeting with her MP
Jennifer Finnigan, and left to right, Kristi Allen, Sharon Potter and Lauren Charlton with the online petition.Jennifer Finnigan, and left to right, Kristi Allen, Sharon Potter and Lauren Charlton with the online petition.
Jennifer Finnigan, and left to right, Kristi Allen, Sharon Potter and Lauren Charlton with the online petition.

Jennifer Finnigan is still struggling to come to terms with daughter Gemma’s death on September 13, 2013, at the hands of her boyfriend Daniel Johnson.

He was jailed for life after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility following the brutal attack in the flat they shared in Church View, Boldon Colliery.

Gemma Finnigan.Gemma Finnigan.
Gemma Finnigan.
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A Domestic Homicide Review revealed a number of missed opportunities over the way Johnson was monitored while he had been out of prison on life licence before he killed Gemma.

Johnson had met Gemma while on day release from prison, where he had been serving time for his part in killing a man – something the family maintain they were never told the full details of.

The Ministry of Justice claims they were told the full details of his conviction.

Gemma’s family are calling for a public inquiry into her death, claiming she was let down by the agencies that should have been protecting her.

Gemma Finnigan.Gemma Finnigan.
Gemma Finnigan.
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They met with Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn to seek his advice and say they have been left feeling “optimistic” after speaking to him.

Mrs Finnigan said: “He took the time to listen to me and to what I had to say. He did not want to make any decision without reading the report but he said he would look at it and see what he could do.

“I feel a bit better that someone has taken the time to listen to me. I just hope he can help us.

“I have asked Victim Support for statments but I was told I had to pay for them, he said he would look into that.

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“I understand he did not want to make any decisions without looking at the reports properly, but I am optimistic.

“We will be carrying on with the petition as I am determined to get justice for Gemma.”

Mr Hepburn said: “I met with Jennifer to discuss the circumstances surrounding her daughter Gemma’s death.

“Jennifer and her family have obviously been through so much since this tragedy. I will be looking into her concerns and keeping her informed throughout.”

An online petition calling for a public inquiry into Gemma’s death can be signed by visiting www.change.org/organizations/justice_for_gemma