ABUSE VICTIM CALLS FOR REVIEW OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES
A woman who survived domestic violence and is advocating for changes to sentencing laws has garnered almost 100,000 signatures on her petition.Paris Shears, aged 30, launched the petition following her ex-partner, Robert Hastings, pleading guilty to multiple charges—including intentional strangulation—on the day his trial was set to begin, after initially entering a not guilty plea 236 days earlier.
She questions whether Hastings received a lighter sentence due to his guilty plea and expresses hope that her campaign might catalyze reforms within the judicial system.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) stated it is presently examining recommendations from an independent review of criminal courts, which seeks to motivate defendants to admit guilt sooner.
Hastings changed his plea to guilty on the trial's first day, 9 March 2026, leading to convictions on one count of intentional strangulation and one of assault by beating.
He had previously pled not guilty on 16 July 2025.
The charge of controlling or coercive behaviour was left unresolved.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Shears believes Hastings received a reduced sentence because of his plea—a plea that was made only on the actual day of trial.
Her trial was canceled, allowing him to maintain control until the very last moment.
Her petition urges the government to introduce legislation dubbed 'Paris' Law,' aimed at preventing defendants charged with controlling or coercive behaviour from benefiting from sentence reductions due to late guilty pleas.
Commenting on her reaction to Hastings’ sentence, Shears said: "It was devastating, I fell to my knees in my kitchen and cried, feeling like I was about to regain my freedom, only to have it taken away." She recounted being contacted by the witness care team soon after sentencing, during which she declared her intention to push for legal change, stating: “You’ll see my face, my name, and something will change.” Her experience has left her feeling hopeless about life beyond her trial for a long period.
She notes that in England and Wales, admitting guilt early in the process typically results in a sentence discount—20% if done during the first day of trial.
An MoJ spokesperson said: “Violence against women and girls remains a serious issue we are committed to reducing.
We sympathize with Paris Shears, and the independent review led by Sir Brian Leveson highlights the importance of early guilty pleas.
“We are reviewing these recommendations carefully and will respond fully in due course.” Shears emphasizes her focus is on fairness rather than harsher sentences—aiming to serve justice and prioritize victims.
She hopes her campaign sparks judicial reform.
Despite her ex-partner receiving a suspended sentence, she feels she is serving a lifelong sentence herself.
Eastleigh Liberal Democrat MP Liz Jarvis praised Shears, saying: “Her campaign raises important issues around coercive control.
Victims often face lengthy waits for trial, only for defendants to change pleas late, continuing the cycle of abuse.” The petition, if reaching 100,000 signatures, will be debated in Parliament and remains open until 21 October.
Jarvis committed to urging the Minister to listen to Shears and implement change.
