Justice Delayed Should Not Mean Justice Denied

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SIMON'S LAW UK

'NATIONAL JUSTICE REFORM BRIEFING'

Executive Summary

Simon's Law UK is a survivor-led campaign founded following Simon Byrne's experience of seeking justice after historical childhood sexual abuse. The campaign advocates practical, evidence-based legal reform for cases involving defendants found unfit to plead because of cognitive impairment. Since its launch in June 2025, the campaign has reached more than 4 million people, engaged with policymakers, submitted briefing letters to 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons, and continues to seek engagement with criminal justice agencies and government.

Mission Statement

Simon's Law UK exists to advocate for practical, evidence-based legal reform that strengthens safeguarding, supports survivors and improves the way the justice system responds when defendants are found unfit to plead because of cognitive impairment.

Contents

1. Foreword
2. About Simon's Law UK
3. Simon's Story
4. The Current Legal Challenge
5. Why Reform Is Needed
6. Reform Proposals
7. Evidence & Research
8. Campaign Impact
9. Media Coverage
10. Government & Stakeholder Engagement
11. Supporters
12. Our Vision
13. Contact

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

• Meeting with Deputy Mayor Kate Green and Alison Connelly (GMCA) on 3 June 2026.
• Briefing letters submitted to 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons.
• Ongoing support from Fay Maxted OBE.
• Support from Senator Joe Flaherty in Ireland.
 

Current position:
• Awaiting confirmation of a follow-up meeting with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
• Awaiting confirmation of meetings with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice in Ireland.

Campaign Impact

• More than 4 million social media views.
• National and regional media coverage.
• Growing public engagement and petition support.

Closing Statement

Justice is not only measured by convictions. It is measured by whether survivors are heard, protected and treated with dignity. Simon's Law UK exists to help ensure that future generations encounter a justice system that is fairer, stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Contact

Website: simonslawuk.org
Email: uksimons.law@gmail.com
Media Contact: +353 86 896 9205
Campaign Contact: +353 89 657 7264

Executive Summary

Simon's Law UK is a survivor-led campaign established following Simon Byrne's experience of seeking justice after historical childhood sexual abuse.
 

After reporting the abuse to Greater Manchester Police in 2021, the defendant was charged in June 2023, & Simon's case was due to proceed to trial in November 2024. Shortly before the trial commenced, the defendant was diagnosed with dementia and found unfit to plead.
 

Determined that the evidence should still be heard, Simon pursued a rare fact-finding hearing in May 2025. The court found all five allegations proven. However, because the defendant lacked the capacity to participate in criminal proceedings, a conventional criminal conviction and sentence could not follow. The defendant received an absolute discharge and was made subject to notification requirements (the Sex Offenders Register) for five years.
 

Simon and his wife, Maria Byrne, established Simon's Law UK to advocate for practical, evidence-based reforms that strengthen safeguarding, improve the experiences of survivors and ensure that justice processes remain effective in an ageing society.
 

Since its launch in June 2025, the campaign has reached more than 4 million people, met with representatives of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, submitted briefing letters to 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons, and is awaiting further engagement with GMP, the CPS and Irish Government representatives to discuss the implementation of fact finding trials in Ireland.

Foreword

Every survivor deserves the opportunity to be heard.
 

For Simon, the journey to justice became a journey through a legal process that revealed significant challenges when defendants are found unfit to plead because of cognitive impairment.
Simon's Law UK was established to encourage constructive discussion about these challenges and to promote practical, evidence-based reforms. Our campaign is rooted in lived experience, informed by engagement with policymakers and criminal justice professionals, and driven by a commitment to improving outcomes for future survivors.
 

We are grateful to everyone who has supported Simon's Law UK and helped raise awareness of this important issue.
 

Simon Byrne
Maria Byrne
Founders, Simon's Law UK

Simon's Story

From Survivor to Advocate

Simon Byrne is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

Between the ages of 11 and 15, Simon was sexually abused by his former boxing coach, Patrick Lowe, in Manchester. Like many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, he carried the effects of that abuse silently for decades.

The trauma had a profound and lasting impact on every aspect of Simon's life. He has lived with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), experienced significant mental health challenges, and spent many years trying to rebuild his life after the abuse he endured as a child.

In April 2021, Simon made the decision to report the abuse to Greater Manchester Police.

Following a police investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised criminal charges and a trial was scheduled for November 2024.

Shortly before the trial was due to begin, the defendant was diagnosed with dementia and found unfit to plead. As a result, the criminal trial could not proceed in the usual way.

Determined that the evidence should still be heard, Simon pursued a rare fact-finding hearing. In May 2025, the court found all five allegations proven.

Because the defendant lacked the capacity to participate in criminal proceedings, a conventional criminal conviction and sentence could not follow. The defendant received an absolute discharge and was made subject to notification requirements (the Sex Offenders Register) for five years.

Rather than allowing that experience to define him, Simon and his wife, Maria Byrne, founded Simon's Law UK in June 2025 to advocate for practical, evidence-based legal reform.

Today, Simon's Law UK has become a growing national campaign, engaging policymakers, justice agencies and the media while reaching more than four million people through its public awareness campaign.

Campaign Timeline

· Age 11–15 – Abuse occurs.

· April 2021 – Abuse reported to Greater Manchester Police.

· June -2023 – Defendant was charged with five counts of historical sexual abuse against Simon.

· November 2024 – Criminal trial unable to proceed after the defendant is found unfit to plead.

· May 2025 – Fact-finding hearing concludes with all five allegations found proven.

· June 2025 – Simon's Law UK launched.

· July 2026 – Campaign surpasses 4 million social media views.

: "What began as one survivor's search for justice has become a campaign to improve justice for others."

The Current Legal Challenge

Understanding 'Unfit to Plead' and Why Reform Is Needed

When a defendant is found unfit to plead, the court determines that they are unable to participate effectively in criminal proceedings because of a qualifying mental or cognitive condition. This can include advanced dementia in some cases.

In these circumstances, the court may hold a fact-finding hearing. The purpose of that hearing is to decide whether the defendant committed the acts alleged. It is not a criminal trial in the conventional sense and does not result in a criminal conviction.

For survivors, these cases can be especially difficult. Many historical abuse cases are reported decades after the offending occurred. As defendants grow older, an increasing number of cases involve cognitive impairment, creating complex legal and practical challenges.

Simon's experience highlighted the importance of ensuring that survivors continue to receive a fair, dignified and trauma-informed process, while maintaining appropriate legal safeguards.

Simon's Law UK is not seeking to remove the legal protections that apply to people who are genuinely unfit to plead. Instead, the campaign advocates practical reforms that improve early assessment, strengthen safeguarding and provide greater clarity and consistency for survivors, investigators and the courts.

The following chapter sets out the principal reform proposals developed by Simon's Law UK.

Key Issues Identified

· Late identification of cognitive impairment can disrupt lengthy criminal proceedings.

· Survivors may relive significant trauma without a conventional criminal outcome.

· Greater consistency and earlier assessment may improve fairness for everyone involved.

· Clear communication and trauma-informed support for survivors should remain central throughout the process.

Simon's Law UK Reform Proposals

The following proposals have been developed from lived experience, engagement with stakeholders and consideration of the challenges that arise when defendants are found unfit to plead because of cognitive impairment. They are intended to contribute constructively to discussion about future legal reform.

1. Earlier Cognitive Assessments

Introduce earlier cognitive assessments where there are credible concerns about a defendant's capacity, particularly in appropriate cases involving older defendants. This may help identify issues before significant court resources are committed.

2. Timely Case Management

Encourage early case reviews where cognitive impairment is identified so that survivors, investigators and the courts have greater clarity about the likely legal pathway.

3. Recognition of Fact-Finding Hearings

Review how findings made at fact-finding hearings are explained and communicated so survivors better understand the legal significance of the outcome.

4. Survivor-Centred Support

Ensure survivors have access to clear information, trauma-informed support and regular updates throughout proceedings involving questions of fitness to plead.

5. Strengthened Safeguarding

Promote effective information-sharing and safeguarding arrangements where the court has found that the defendant committed the alleged acts but cannot be dealt with through the ordinary criminal process.

6. Cross-Agency Collaboration

Encourage continued collaboration between police, prosecutors, the courts, healthcare professionals, survivor organisations and government to develop practical, evidence-based reforms.

Guiding Principles

· Put survivors at the heart of the justice process.

· Protect the legal rights of all parties.

· Promote public safety and safeguarding.

· Support evidence-based and proportionate reform.

· Improve consistency, transparency and confidence in the justice system.

Evidence & Research

Simon's Law UK is committed to promoting evidence-based discussion about how the justice system responds when defendants are found unfit to plead because of cognitive impairment. Alongside lived experience, the campaign has gathered information through Freedom of Information requests and engagement with criminal justice stakeholders.

Freedom of Information Evidence

A Freedom of Information response from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) indicated an increase in recorded cases involving defendants found unfit to plead, rising from 25 cases in 2020 to 98 cases in 2025. These figures suggest that this area of law is becoming increasingly significant and merits continued review.

Why This Matters

· Historical abuse cases are often reported many years after the offending occurred.

· As the population ages, more criminal proceedings may involve questions about cognitive impairment.

· Earlier identification of capacity issues may reduce delays and uncertainty.

· Survivors benefit from clear communication and trauma-informed support throughout proceedings.

· Evidence-informed policy can strengthen fairness, safeguarding and public confidence.

Continuing Evidence Gathering

Simon's Law UK continues to gather evidence through Freedom of Information requests, engagement with policymakers, criminal justice agencies, survivor organisations and legal professionals. The campaign welcomes further research and dialogue to help inform future policy development.

Key Evidence Summary

· Lived experience has informed the campaign's proposals.

· CPS Freedom of Information data indicates an increase in recorded unfit-to-plead cases between 2020 and 2025.

· The campaign continues to engage constructively with stakeholders while developing practical reform proposals.

Campaign Impact & Public Engagement

Since its launch in June 2025, Simon's Law UK has grown from one survivor's determination to seek change into a nationally recognised campaign for legal reform. Through responsible advocacy, media engagement and public awareness, the campaign has reached millions of people and encouraged discussion about how the justice system responds when defendants are found unfit to plead because of cognitive impairment.

Campaign Milestones

· More than 4 million views across the campaign's social media content.

· Growing support for the Simon's Law UK petition.

· Launch of the Simon's Law UK website and digital campaign resources.

· National and regional media coverage across television, radio, print and online platforms.

· Constructive engagement with policymakers, criminal justice agencies and survivor organisations.

Public Awareness

The campaign has helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by survivors in cases where defendants are found unfit to plead. Its online reach has enabled survivors, professionals and members of the public to engage with the campaign and contribute to a wider conversation about justice reform.

Media Coverage

Simon's Law UK has received confirmed coverage and interviews with a number of respected media organisations, including:

· BBC North West Tonight

· ITV Granada Reports

· BBC Radio 5 Live Drive

· RTÉ News

· Manchester Evening News

· Sunday World

· Crime World Podcast

Looking Ahead

As the campaign continues to develop, Simon's Law UK will build on this public engagement by working constructively with governments, criminal justice agencies, survivor organisations and the media to promote practical, evidence-based legal reform.

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Simon's Law UK has sought to engage constructively with policymakers, criminal justice agencies and survivor organisations to encourage discussion about practical, evidence-based legal reform.

Engagement to Date

· Meeting with Deputy Mayor Kate Green and Alison Connelly of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on 3 June 2026.

· Briefing letters submitted to 10 Downing Street requesting engagement on the campaign's proposals.

· Briefing letters submitted to the House of Commons requesting engagement with parliamentarians.

· Support and engagement from Fay Maxted OBE, CEO of The Survivors Trust.

· Support from Senator Joe Flaherty in Ireland in seeking dialogue with the Irish Government.

Current Engagement

· Awaiting confirmation of a follow-up roundtable meeting with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

· Awaiting confirmation of meetings with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice in Ireland following formal requests submitted with the support of Senator Joe Flaherty.

Our Approach

Simon's Law UK is committed to working collaboratively with government, policing, prosecutors, survivor organisations and legal professionals. The campaign's aim is to contribute constructively to policy development through lived experience, research and respectful engagement.

Supporters & Acknowledgements

Simon's Law UK has benefited from the encouragement, expertise and engagement of individuals and organisations who recognise the importance of improving the justice system for survivors. The campaign is grateful for all constructive support received while remaining independent and survivor-led.

Confirmed Support

Fay Maxted OBE, Chief Executive of The Survivors Trust, has provided valuable support and engagement throughout the development of Simon's Law UK. Her experience and commitment to improving outcomes for survivors have been greatly appreciated.

Constructive Engagement

· Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)

· Greater Manchester Police (ongoing engagement)

· Crown Prosecution Service (ongoing engagement)

· Senator Joe Flaherty

· Journalists and media organisations that have helped raise awareness

· Members of the public who have supported and shared the campaign

Our Thanks

Every person who has shared the campaign, signed the petition, offered professional expertise or listened to Simon's story has helped raise awareness of an important issue. Simon's Law UK is committed to continuing this work in partnership with survivors, policymakers and justice professionals.

Our Vision

Simon's Law UK was established with a clear purpose: to help ensure that survivors of sexual abuse are treated with dignity, compassion and fairness throughout the criminal justice process. The campaign seeks constructive, evidence-based reform that strengthens confidence in the justice system while respecting the rights of all those involved.

Our Long-Term Objectives

· Promote earlier identification of cognitive impairment where relevant, helping to avoid unnecessary delays and uncertainty.

· Encourage a justice process that is transparent, trauma-informed and survivor-centred.

· Support practical legal reforms that improve safeguarding and public confidence.

· Work collaboratively with governments, parliamentarians, policing, prosecutors, healthcare professionals and survivor organisations.

· Raise awareness so that survivors understand their rights and available support.

· Contribute to ongoing research and informed public discussion about this developing area of law.

A Shared Commitment

Although Simon's Law UK began with one family's experience, its vision reaches far beyond a single case. The campaign aims to encourage meaningful dialogue, informed policy development and lasting improvements that benefit survivors, strengthen safeguarding and enhance public confidence in the justice system.

Looking Forward

Simon and Maria Byrne remain committed to working respectfully with all those who wish to improve the justice system. They believe that lasting change is achieved through collaboration, evidence and the voices of survivors. Their hope is that Simon's Law UK will contribute to reforms that leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

References & Supporting Evidence

The proposals contained within this briefing are informed by lived experience, publicly available information, Freedom of Information responses, legal proceedings and ongoing engagement with criminal justice professionals, policymakers and survivor organisations. The following sources have informed the development of Simon's Law UK.

Primary Evidence

· Crown Prosecution Service Freedom of Information response relating to unfit-to-plead cases.

· Court documentation arising from the 2025 fact-finding hearing involving Patrick Lowe.

· Correspondence submitted to 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons.

· Briefing materials prepared for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

· Campaign correspondence with public representatives in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Media Coverage

· BBC North West Tonight

· ITV Granada Reports

· BBC Radio 5 Live Drive

· RTÉ News

· Manchester Evening News

· Sunday World

· Crime World Podcast

Campaign Resources

· Simon's Law UK official website

· Simon's Law UK Change.org petition

· Official LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels

Acknowledgement

· This briefing is intended to support informed discussion about justice reform. It should not be interpreted as legal advice, nor does it seek to comment on any ongoing legal proceedings.

Contact & Closing Statement

Thank you for taking the time to read this briefing and to consider the proposals set out by Simon's Law UK. We believe meaningful reform is best achieved through respectful dialogue, collaboration and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for survivors while maintaining fairness within the justice system.

An Invitation to Engage

We welcome the opportunity to meet with ministers, parliamentarians, police, prosecutors, survivor organisations, academics and members of the media to discuss the campaign's proposals and explore how constructive reform can be achieved.

Contact

Email: uksimons.law@gmail.com

Campaign Phone: +353 89 657 7264

Media Contact: +353 86 896 9205

Website: Simon's Law UK

Social Media: LinkedIn • Facebook • Instagram • TikTok • Change.org Petition

Closing Message

Simon’s Law UK was founded on the belief that every survivor deserves to be heard and that every opportunity to improve the justice system should be explored with care, compassion and evidence. We remain committed to working with others to help build a justice system that inspires confidence, strengthens safeguarding and treats survivors with dignity.

Simon Byrne & Maria Byrne
Founders, Simon's Law UK

Appendix A – Campaign Timeline

The following timeline provides a high-level overview of key milestones in the development of Simon's Law UK. It is intended to give readers a chronological understanding of the campaign's progress.

Date

Milestone

April 2021

June 2023

Simon Byrne reported the abuse to Greater Manchester Police.

Defendant Patrick Lowe charged with five counts of historical sexual abuse

November 2024

The criminal trial was due to begin but did not proceed after the defendant was found unfit to plead because of dementia.

May 2025

A fact-finding hearing concluded with all allegations found proved. The defendant received an absolute discharge and was made subject to notification requirements.

June 2025

Simon’s Law UK was launched to advocate for evidence-based legal reform.

3 June 2026

Meeting with Deputy Mayor Kate Green and Alison Connelly at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

2026

Briefing letters submitted to 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons.

2026

Campaign social media content exceeded 4 million views, significantly increasing public awareness.

Ongoing

Engagement with policymakers, criminal justice agencies, survivor organisations and the media continues.

Document Status

This briefing is a living document and will be updated as further evidence, engagement and developments arise in support of Simon's Law UK.

Connect with Simon's Law UK

Website
https://simonslawuk.org
 

Petition
https://chng.it/rdqFYm9cyc
 

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simons-law-uk-64884868
 

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/19KQTNgwYb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
 

Instagram
Simon's Law UK Official Instagram
 

TikTok
@simonslawuk
 

Campaign Communications

Lillyanne Farrington
Social Media & Digital Communications Support
 

Lillyanne supports Simon's Law UK by helping to coordinate the campaign's social media presence and digital communications across its online platforms, assisting with public engagement and helping to amplify the campaign's message.

Contact

General enquiries: uksimons.law@gmail.com

Campaign phone: +353 89 657 7264

Media contact: +353 86 896 9205

Back Cover

Join the Campaign

Learn more about Simon's Law UK.
Scan the QR code to visit our petition, follow the campaign and support legal reform.

Campaign Communications

Lillyanne Farrington
Lead – Social Media & Digital Communications
 

Lillyanne Farrington leads the day-to-day social media and digital communications for Simon's Law UK, helping to grow public awareness, engage supporters and ensure the campaign's message reaches audiences across the campaign's digital platforms.

Simon's Law UK

Thank you for taking the time to read this briefing.
 

Together we can work towards a justice system that is fair, compassionate and places survivors at the heart of meaningful legal reform.

© 2026 Simon's Law UK
Campaign for Justice and Legal Reform