Mother Calls for Change in Homicide Law Following Son’s Death
Friday, August 7, 2026
EMBARGO: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The tragic death of Matthew Haynes Fox has sparked a call for change in the UK’s homicide law. His mother, Sue Matthews, is urging the public to support calls for a new homicide offence after the issue was included in a major consultation by the Law Commission.
Matthew’s death was the result of a situation where medical assistance was not sought. This has prompted Matthews to campaign for a change in the law. She is calling for the introduction of a new criminal offence that would cover cases where there has been a culpable failure to seek medical help or intervention, resulting in death.
The issue is now being considered as part of the Law Commission’s review of homicide offences in England and Wales. The public consultation, which closes on September 30, 2026, asks for views on the need and justifications for a bespoke offence in cases where there has been a culpable failure to seek medical assistance and death results.
Members of the public, bereaved families, campaigners, charities, legal professionals, and other organizations are being invited to respond to the consultation. They can answer as many or as few of the questions as they wish.
Matthews said: “Matthew was my son and he should still be here. Living with his loss is something our family faces every single day. Alongside that grief, we have had to live with the knowledge that the law does not adequately address what happened.
“I believe that where someone culpably fails to seek medical assistance and another person dies, there must be proper accountability. This is not about revenge. It is about ensuring that the law recognizes the seriousness of that failure and protects other vulnerable people in the future.
“The Law Commission is now asking for views on this exact issue. This is a real opportunity for the public to be heard and I am asking people to take a few minutes to respond. You do not need to understand complicated legal language. You can answer in your own words and explain why you believe the law should change.
“Every response matters. The more people who take part, the stronger the message will be that this gap in the law cannot be ignored.”
Solicitor advocate Katie McCreath, founder of Staffordshire-based KMC Legal & Finance, has been supporting Matthews in her campaign. McCreath submitted the legal question concerning a culpable failure to seek medical assistance for consideration as part of the Law Commission’s homicide law review.
She said: “The current consultation represents an important opportunity to examine whether the criminal law deals adequately with cases where a person dies after someone culpably fails to seek medical assistance.
“The proposed offence would not seek to criminalize every delay, mistake, or difficult decision surrounding medical care. The focus is on conduct that is culpable and sufficiently serious to justify criminal responsibility.
“The Law Commission is gathering evidence and views before making any recommendations. It is, therefore, vital that people with relevant experiences, as well as members of the wider public, take part.
“Sue has shown extraordinary courage in turning the devastating loss of Matthew into a campaign intended to protect others. We are encouraging people to read Question 14 and explain, in their own words, whether they believe a bespoke offence is needed and why.”
The Law Commission is reviewing homicide law with the aim of considering whether reforms are required to improve its clarity, coherence, fairness, and effectiveness. The review is divided into three areas covering homicide offences, defences, and sentencing. The current consultation concerns homicide offences, with consultations on defences and sentencing expected separately.
Matthews and McCreath are available for interviews with television, radio, and newspaper outlets to discuss Matthew’s story, the perceived gap in the current law, and why public responses to the consultation are important.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Law Commission consultation on homicide offences is open until September 30, 2026. The relevant section is Chapter 10, “Other homicide offences,” Consultation Question 14. Question 14 asks: “We invite consultees’ views on the need and justifications for a bespoke offence in cases in which there has been a culpable failure to seek medical assistance or intervention and death results.” Anyone may respond to the consultation, and respondents do not have to answer every question.
The consultation is being conducted by the Law Commission for England and Wales as part of its review of homicide law. (Consult Justice)
Media Contact:
Kym Morris
Press and Campaign Communications
Matthew’s Law Campaign
Telephone: 07703 575319
Email: kym@kmc-legal.co.uk
High-resolution photographs of Matthew, Sue, and Katie McCreath are available upon request.
