MP fights fatal flaws in UK’s legal system

‘I am working to make sure the voices of the victims’ families are heard by law-makers’ - MP Jim McMahon

3 More Image(s) In Gallery

OLDHAM MP Jim McMahon will fight for justice in Parliament for the victims of an evil thug involved in killing three people — one in Failsworth.

Colin McDonald (42) was this week jailed for life for his part in the murder of 21-year-old Dominic Doyle in Denton last June. McDonald backed up his step-son Mitchell Ingham (15) who, accompanied by friends, cornered Mr Doyle and attacked him with a knife.

Six people — including Ingham’s mother Diane Ingham (42), who tried to cover up the attack — were locked up for their part in the barbaric event.

The judge sentencing the gang said McDonald was the leader in the unprovoked street attack.

In 1997, McDonald was sentenced to six years for the manslaughter of 27-year old accountant Jonathan Tripp, who was pushed into the Rochdale Canal and drowned. McDonald served three years before being released on license - during which he was charged with GBH following an attack in 2001 in which he broke a man’s jaw with a brick.

His record of violence continued when he appeared in court in 2005 following a fight outside a pub.

In 2009 used a knife in an attack that left a man stabbed 11 times.

While out on bail in 2010, following a long police investigation into the knife attack, he knocked down and killed 38-year-old Wayne Leary in Failsworth.

The Hollinwood family fought for police to be held to account for the length of time it took to bring the case to court.

Oldham West and Royton MP Mr McMahon said: “Colin McDonald has a long and striking record of showing little regard for human life. His actions have devastated the lives of at least three families, hurting many others through his actions.

“Had McDonald been dealt with sooner, or not been granted bail given his history, he would not have been free to kill Wayne Leary.”

McDonald was eventually sentenced for the knife attack In 2011 and was jailed for seven years. Following his appeal his sentence was increased by adding three more years on licence and 18 more month for the hit-and-run offence.

In 2014, after serving half the sentence, McDonald was released on license until 2021. During that time he was involved in the death of Mr Doyle.

Mr McMahon says he will now fight for the families of McDonald’s victims in Westminster as the case has highlighted flaws in the justice system.

The former Oldham Council leader said: “I am supporting the parents of Wayne Leary seeking justice because the reign of terror and hurt carried out by McDonald has exposed some fundamental flaws in the criminal justice system.

“There were plenty of warnings to the authorities that McDonald posed a danger to the public and with quicker action by the police, and a criminal justice system which has proper checks and balances in place, McDonald would not have been free to cause further deaths.”