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Justice for Helen: A Mother's Quest to Find Her Murdered Daughter
AS FEATURED IN 'THE MIRROR', THIS IS THE STORY OF A MOTHER'S QUEST TO FIND HER MURDERED DAUGHTER
Burying a child is every parent's nightmare. But Marie McCourt has spent 31 years yearning to do just that.
On 9th February 1988, her 22-year-old daughter, Helen, left her office in Liverpool city centre and began her usual commute home. But she was never seen again...
Within days, local pub landlord Ian Simms was identified as her murderer. Despite Helen's body not being found, a mass of incontrovertible DNA and witness evidence at his trial 12 months later resulted in a life sentence.
Simms has refused to disclose the whereabouts of Helen's body, meaning Marie and her family have never been able to get closure. They've never had a grave at which they can pay their respects.
For the last 30 years, Marie has fought to find her daughter's body and stop other families facing the same horrifying fate. Her tenacity has meant that Helen's Law - 'no body, no parole' - is due to be passed into law.
This is the incredible story of the crushing devastation of a mother, callously taunted by her daughter's murderer, who found the strength and determination to change the law.
Burying a child is every parent's nightmare. But Marie McCourt has spent 31 years yearning to do just that.
On 9th February 1988, her 22-year-old daughter, Helen, left her office in Liverpool city centre and began her usual commute home. But she was never seen again...
Within days, local pub landlord Ian Simms was identified as her murderer. Despite Helen's body not being found, a mass of incontrovertible DNA and witness evidence at his trial 12 months later resulted in a life sentence.
Simms has refused to disclose the whereabouts of Helen's body, meaning Marie and her family have never been able to get closure. They've never had a grave at which they can pay their respects.
For the last 30 years, Marie has fought to find her daughter's body and stop other families facing the same horrifying fate. Her tenacity has meant that Helen's Law - 'no body, no parole' - is due to be passed into law.
This is the incredible story of the crushing devastation of a mother, callously taunted by her daughter's murderer, who found the strength and determination to change the law.
- GenresTrue Crime
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 30, 2024
It will never cease to amaze me how the parents of children that suffer such tragedy can carry on. Not only carry on, but fight for justice, have their loves completely taken over by it and still keep going no matter what. I guess when placed in such a situation you just don't have a choice, it just happens, the strength you need appears from somewhere you didn't know existed... But it is truly remarkable none the less.
On equal measure, it will never fail to disgust me, how our legal system fails victims and thier families so often, yet the monsters that carry out these crimes seem to get a free pass for their disgusting behaviours after their heinous crimes.
It was, however, lovely to hear how the police handled the case so well. Too often criminals get away with their crimes because of the most awful mistakes and incompetence of the investigation. Not to mention the lack of communication and support for the families.
Whilst there was some repetition throughout the book, I couldn't put it down and it was generally very well told. Mrs McCourt is a remarkable woman and I hope Helen is indeed found one day and bought home.
On equal measure, it will never fail to disgust me, how our legal system fails victims and thier families so often, yet the monsters that carry out these crimes seem to get a free pass for their disgusting behaviours after their heinous crimes.
It was, however, lovely to hear how the police handled the case so well. Too often criminals get away with their crimes because of the most awful mistakes and incompetence of the investigation. Not to mention the lack of communication and support for the families.
Whilst there was some repetition throughout the book, I couldn't put it down and it was generally very well told. Mrs McCourt is a remarkable woman and I hope Helen is indeed found one day and bought home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
Audiobook review;
The book was read brilliantly by the actress Sue Jenkins...I could hear the emotion through her narration.
What can I say about Helen's mum Marie McCourt; an inspirational woman whose only wish was to have her beloved daughter's remains so Helen could have a proper burial & be at peace. Unfortunately this hasn't happened. Having a daughter myself, my heart went out to her....one cannot begin to imagine the pain Marie & her family endure each & every day. We get a real sense of the caring, bubbly personality that Helen had. She was so loved & a cruel twist of fate led her to the path of killer Simms one February evening in 1988.
Helen's law is now in the statute book. An amazing achievement by a truly amazing mother, bravo Marie. I dearly hope Helen will be found someday soon.
The book was read brilliantly by the actress Sue Jenkins...I could hear the emotion through her narration.
What can I say about Helen's mum Marie McCourt; an inspirational woman whose only wish was to have her beloved daughter's remains so Helen could have a proper burial & be at peace. Unfortunately this hasn't happened. Having a daughter myself, my heart went out to her....one cannot begin to imagine the pain Marie & her family endure each & every day. We get a real sense of the caring, bubbly personality that Helen had. She was so loved & a cruel twist of fate led her to the path of killer Simms one February evening in 1988.
Helen's law is now in the statute book. An amazing achievement by a truly amazing mother, bravo Marie. I dearly hope Helen will be found someday soon.
May 11, 2021
4.5 rating. An extremely well written book. A very difficult subject and such a sad situation for Marie. As a mother I just cannot begin to imagine the torment and pain. Told with great precision and dignity. I pray Helen is found in the very near future.
September 11, 2021
A heartfelt, sincere and overwhelmingly sad account of a mother’s loss. Marie’s anguish is palpable and she talks candidly about how Helen’s murder has devastated the family. I hope her daughter’s ruthless killer ends his reign of silence soon and the family can reach some sort of closure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2021
I was unsure of this book at the start as seemed a bit slow, however as the story got on you could tell it was all written from the heart.
Story of how a mother never gave up the fight for finding her daughter.
Story of how a mother never gave up the fight for finding her daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2021
Absolutely heartbreaking.
August 2, 2023
Beautiful story of a mother's love
December 30, 2025
Good book, but I felt it was too long. I didn't enjoy reading about all the campaign, all the laws etc.
It was confusing and a bit boring and I lost interest at that point.
I just hope that Marie will get some answers and will be able to live in piece - if you can ever do after losing a child
It was confusing and a bit boring and I lost interest at that point.
I just hope that Marie will get some answers and will be able to live in piece - if you can ever do after losing a child
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews