Kirsty Scamp was just 19 when she killed her violent boyfriend, Jason Bull. She was convicted of murder in February 2007 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Kirsty’s case was taken up by Justice for Women and on 21 July 2010, the Court of Appeal will consider her appeal against conviction and sentence.

Kirsty has a long history of witnessing and experiencing domestic violence, and her appeal is based on the failure of the judge to draw the jury’s attention to the violence she had been subjected to, instead implying that she had acted out of jealousy rather than fear. If the jury had been directed to take into account Kirsty’s long history of witnessing and experiencing domestic violence and considered how frightened she may have been at the point of the attack then it is most unlikely they would have convicted her of murder.

Kirsty said, “The biggest punishment you live with is the knowledge you have taken a life. I have to live with that every day and the feelings of guilt never go away. However I know I am not a murderer. I did not mean to kill Jason, he was attacking me at the time and I was terrified.”

How you can help

Kirsty needs your support. If you believe she deserves justice:

• Attend the demonstration organised by Justice for Women outside the Court of Appeal on the Strand in London on July 21 from 9.30am. Bring friends and banners to show the strength of support for Kirsty’s appeal.
   
• Write to Kirsty at HMP Holloway, to provide her with support and encouragement during the tense time in the build up to the appeal. THe address is: Kirsty Scamp, HMP Holloway, Parkhurst Road, London, N7 0NU.
   
• Blog, write to your local press and widely publicise Kirsty’s case to build an even broader base of support.
   
• Show your support on Facebook: visit http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126816600686714
   
• Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/justice4women

More information

For more information, please contact Shannon Harvey, Campaign Coordinator.
Telephone: 07974 050 284
Email: freekirsty@gmail.com

You can also:

• download more information about the campaign for Kirsty (PDF)
• read about Kirsty's story in the Guardian