The mother of a charitable worker who was viciously attacked and strangled to death by her boyfriend, a cannabis user, has expressed disappointment in the Attorney General’s decision not to appeal his sentence. Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, aged 25, was killed by her partner Gogoa Tape, 28, who is the father of their two-year-old child. Tape avoided jail time by pleading guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, citing mental health issues. He received an indefinite hospital order, allowing for potential release if his condition improves.
Kennedi’s mother, Linda Westcarr, criticized the lack of justice in Tape’s sentence, stating that a hospital order is insufficient recompense for her daughter’s tragic death. The family is demanding an independent review of the Crown Prosecution Service’s handling of the case, especially the decision not to pursue a murder charge and the lack of communication with the victim’s family.
During Tape’s sentencing, the judge acknowledged his mental illness but faced criticism for not thoroughly scrutinizing the link between his actions and his mental state. Campaigners have raised concerns over the acceptance of Tape’s diminished responsibility plea without proper examination. They advocate for urgent reforms and a comprehensive review of Kennedi’s case to ensure accountability and justice for victims of domestic abuse.
Various organizations, including Refuge and Sistah Space, have voiced support for Kennedi’s family and called for systemic changes to better protect Black women from violence and ensure fair treatment in the justice system. The Attorney General’s office defended its decision not to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, citing the high threshold required for such referrals under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
