RIP Jill Saward

I had to google her name but of course I remember the case. Brave woman, sad that she died so young.

I remember this happening so well as we live in Ealing she had PTSD for a long time afterwards but still chose to relive her ordeal to help others which even in her untimely death it appears she will still be doing.

Poor girl - hard to believe that case was 30 years ago.

So sad to learn of her death , brave lady

God Bless you Jill

Yes, very brave woman. I remember the case well and am surprised it was 30 years ago. I hope her personal life was fulfilling in the interim.

May you RIP Jill

Too young to die RIP

RIP Jill.
A sad loss for Jill's family.

One of the most horrific cases of modern times. God bless her.

What a brave lady and such an untimely death
God Bless Jill.

I remember this case. Poor woman. The judge's comments at the time were appalling. The rapists were given less of a sentence than the man convicted of burglary.

It was a truly shocking case and she coped with it with amazing courage, great dignity and such a desire to make a difference for other survivors. Now that's what I'd call heroic. So sad for her family and friends to lose her at such a young age.

So sad to hear of her untimely death. A brave woman well worthy of recognition but (I am bitter) she was not Posh Spice or Royal or a Olympic sportsperson.

I remember this case. Poor woman. The judge's comments at the time were appalling. The rapists were given less of a sentence than the man convicted of burglary.

Absolutely, dreadful case, and she was treated appallingly. Tragic that she has now died so young and I wonder if the whole thing did impact on her health.

Theres been an interesting phone in on James OBrian this morning.
There was a brilliant caller who phoned in condemning this pressure on women to "forgive". She articulated brilliantly a feeling I have had but had not chrystalized. She said that while 'forgiving' may be helpful for some, it does not mean its the "right" approach for everybody, and that for many continuing to feel anger towards the perps can be their best way to deal with it, and a decision not to forgive, shouldnt be seen as a 'failure' nor should any pressure be put on women to forgive when their anger is fully justified.

She said that in the reporting of these vile crimes there is far too much focus on the victim and their behaviour, and eulogising of 'forgiveness', when in fact more attention should be paid to the perps, and what is causing them to behave in such an abominable way.

Anger is a valid response.

Yes Mair apparently at the time of his retirement the judge apologised (if you can call it an apology) for what he described as a "blemish"

I agree that some people are able to forgive (not forget) easier than others. I don't think I would have the capacity to forgive anyone who hurt my child/grandchild. Sometimes anger is a better coping mechanism.

I don't think I would have the capacity to forgive anyone who hurt my child/grandchild. Sometimes anger is a better coping mechanism

No less valid or admirable either, especially if it is put to good effect as in the case of Sara Payne whose daughter was murdered by a paedo (and she also died tragically young).

I remember this appalling crime too. Jill was so brave to talk about it then. Was her work recognised in the Honours List at all? I hope it was.
RIP Jill Saward.

What an amazing brave woman, she really made the most of her life and helped so many people.Condolences to her family and friends.

Of course her work was not recognised in the honours list Jayh The honours are almost always reserved for those who truly deserve them like sportsmen/women, rich pop stars and political a*se lickers.

Spot on gillybob

Thanks,*Gilly*. You are right about the Honours List. It's a joke.

Not only the judge, but her reverend father, said at the time that he thought her ordeal was not so bad as if she'd been beaten up, since there was no visible damage (words to that effect).

I had forgotten about that!

But yes I remember now at the time being horrified at the way he failed to stick up for his daughter, and thought what a pathetic limp wristed wet he was, more concerned to signal a 'turn the other cheek good Christian' message about himself than to protect his daughter and other women.

In the interview with her father (I heard) FarNorth he said words to the effect, that she did not have any visible outward scars but this did not mean that she was not deeply effected inside.