Today on Good Morning Britain, domestic abuse survivor and campaigner Elizabeth Hudson joined Kate Garraway and Richard Madeley to discuss her recent triumph in campaigning to keep her violent ex behind bars.
Welcoming Elizabeth onto the show, Richard explained: “Elizabeth has been tirelessly campaigning on this programme against the early release of her violent ex- husband who was given the greenlight to walk free from prison as part of the government scheme to reduce overcrowding, but she’s won.”
As she joined Kate and Richard to reflect on the result whilst looking back on her many Good Morning Britain interviews throughout the campaign, Kate explained: “The Ministry of Justice has admitted a clerical error and assured Elizabeth he’s not eligible for early release.”
Kate also asked: “What did you feel when you saw that admission and you realised you’d won this stage at least?”
Elizabeth answered: “Lot’s of relief, although still incredibly frustrated that I had to do all of this. It shouldn’t have been necessary at all, if things worked properly none of this would have happened.”
Bravely opening up about her experience and the toll it’s taken on her, Elizabeth went on to add: “For me, my family, my friends. It’s taken over everything, it’s been really, really hard. Frustrating, frightening, it’s set me back in terms of my recovery. I’ve had days where it’s been a struggle to get out of bed.”
Going onto discuss the clerical error in question, Elizabeth explained: “When they wrote down the court warrant at sentencing, they got consecutive and concurrent the wrong way around.”
Elizabeth said: “The justice secretary assured me that they've been through the whole system and not found another error like mine. However, the bigger issue is that domestic abusers are still being released early. Victims are in fear, victims are dealing with all kinds of trauma around that. So why this is great for me personally, it doesn’t solve the bigger challenges with the policy.”
Kate asked Elizabeth: “What would be the change that you think would help?”
Elizabeth replied: “When I came on here (Good Morning Britain) with Josh Babarinde and that’s the answer. We need domestic abuse laws.”
As the interview drew to a close, Richard said: “We are delighted that in any small way, we were able to help you in your campaign. I have to say I never doubted that you’d win, I never did, a) because of you and your character and the person you are, you’re so determined. But frankly, because you are right.”
Written by TomSouthwell on Jan 30, 2025