Relatives 'need to be heard'

RELATIVES of murder victims must be given an opportunity to speak at the conclusion of trials, a support group urged yesterday.

Describing the impact of the death of a loved one gives the grieving family a sense they have a part to play in the trial process, even though it would make no difference to sentencing, Victim Support said.

Lillian McGovern, chief executive of the advocacy group, said a promised review of the four year old victims' charter should include specific clauses relating to the role of relatives in murder trials.