FIGHT TO PROTECT KIDS FROM ABUSIVE PARENTS

Star backs call by mum of murdered boys to end presumption of contact

- BY MICHELLE RAWLINS and DAVE BURKE

Mel B has thrown her support behind the child-protection campaign of a mother whose sons were murdered by their father during a court-approved access visit.

The Spice Girl and domestic abuse campaigner yesterday endorsed Claire Throssell’s bid - launched at the Labour Party Conference to change family court guidelines on abusive parents.

"Every day the Government drags its heels on this, more and more women suffer more and more women lose their lives, their kids, their future," Mel said.

"Keir Starmer made promises to do something about violence against women - he made a promise to me. And yes a full strategy takes time but how much time? The truth is that survivors of domestic abuse and refuges can't wait for support which can be the difference between life and death."

Mel, who has told of her own experience of domestic abuse, added: "The Prime Minister needs to listen to survivors and to children who have grown up with domestic abuse to save lives.

"Claire is one of the bravest women I know, she campaigns so hard but is living with heartbreak every day as her two sons were killed by her abuser, their own father - we cannot let this happen to anyone else."

Claire's sons, Jack, 12, and Paul, nine were murdered in October 2014 by their father, Darren Sykes, who lured them into the attic of the family home in Penistone, near Sheffield, before setting fire to the house.