David Cameron pledges his support to reform the bail laws in memory of Jane Clough (From Lancashire Telegraph)

David Cameron pledges his support to reform the bail laws in memory of Jane Clough

4:52pm Wednesday 11th January 2012 in Barrowford By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

CAMPAIGN John and Penny Clough with their daughter Jane

PRIME Minister David Cameron has pledged his support for a campaign to reform the bail laws - in memory of a murdered East Lancashire nurse.

Jane Clough, from Barrowford, was stabbed to death by former lover Jonathan Vass in July 2010, while he was on bail accused of repeatedly raping her.

Her parents John and Penny Clough have campaigned to overturn existing bail legislation since the 26-year-old’s tragic death.

At the first session of Prime Minister’s Questions for 2012, Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, asked for a progress report on the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, currently at the committee stage in the House of Lords.

Mr Cameron said that there was a ‘strong case for changing the law’, which the Cloughs have been pursuing through their ongoing Justice for Jane campaign.

An amendment to the bill, proposed by Labour MP Helen Goodman, should allow for prosecutors to appeal to a High Court judge, if a crown court judge releases a defendant on bail.

Mr Cameron added: “I hope this will improve the law, be more helpful to victims and give some satisfaction to the family.”

Mr Stephenson, after consulting the nurse’s family, has previously tabled a Private Members Bill, supporting the same provision.

The Cloughs were also remain angry that the rape prosecution was not proceeded with, following Vass’s murder conviction.

But in December it was announced that new guidance would be sent out to prosecutors, urging them to consult with families before making similar decisions in future.