Shropshire woman abused by father pushes for DBS check reform
A woman from Telford whose father raped her when she was a child is calling for a reform of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) system, after her father transitioned while in prison.Ceri-Lee Galvin's father, who was then known as Clive Bundy, was given a 15-year extended sentence with 10 years and six months in prison for abusing Ms Galvin.Her father came out while in prison as a trans woman, under the new name of Claire Fox, and was released from prison in 2023.While there is no suggestion that Fox has applied for a DBS check since release, Ms Galvin is concerned that the process may not flag the crimes previously committed by her father.
Ms Galvin believes the current DBS system is not robust enough to protect people from dangerous criminals like her father, who have a new identity, and that the threat of a further conviction for failing to disclose previous names would not deter criminals from doing so. Ms Galvin has waived her anonymity as a victim of sexual abuse because of these fears, as well as wanting to be a positive example to other survivors of abuse.She told the BBC: "It might be a criminal offence to not disclose the fact that you've changed your name and you've got a new birth certificate because you've changed your gender under the [Gender Recognition Certificate]."However, this is a convicted criminal who has for very many years broken a law that he did not have any regard or care about."If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.
DBS checks are a record of an individual's criminal convictions and are used by employers and organisations to assess a person's suitability for a particular job or position. They are a requirement in many roles, particularly for people in contact with children or vulnerable people.Offenders are legally required to disclose any previous names they have lived under, but failure to do so could result in the offences linked to a previous identity not appearing during a check.
Ms Galvin has faced accusations of transphobia online - something she rejected. She said she wanted to help the trans community too."This man beat my little brother black and blue. He neglected us as children, he was a violent man without the sexual abuse," she told the BBC.She added that there were so many ways in which someone like her father "could take hold of a very vulnerable group in society and abuse it and use it for his own gain, which is what he did to me as a child.""I'm just trying to protect people because I was never protected," she added.
Ms Galvin had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her father for as long as she could remember."He groomed me," she said. "It was the whole kind of textbook 'I love you, nobody else does, we'll run away together, we'll be happy'. As a child you're fed these things from day one."As she grew older, he threatened to turn the abuse on her younger sister if she did not co-operate.Eventually, police uncovered what was happening when they found images of Ms Galvin that her father had been sharing with other paedophiles online. Her father was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a child family member, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of distributing indecent images of a child.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the risk of offenders changing their identities was mitigated by court orders, intelligence sharing between organisations such as the police and other government agencies, and that data was checked both manually and through the use of algorithms during the application process.However, Labour MP for Telford Shaun Davies, believes the system needs to become more robust and said the government would take action."The whole DBS system needs to be reviewed and that is what the government is committed to doing to ensure that the system is fit for purpose," he said."I've also been pushing for tougher legislation around when an offender needs to update their records and I'm glad that the new policing bill that's going through Parliament will put a legal duty on offenders having to update their names to both the police and the probation service. "Not to change their name and then tell the authorities, they'll have to do it in advance."The MoJ added that the Criminal Justice Bill would allow the police to restrict a sex offenders' ability to make changes to their name on identity documents.
Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
Vape 'explosion' in major fire on UK street as three rushed to hospital
Vape 'explosion' in major fire on UK street as three rushed to hospital The incident in the UK has badly damaged four homes Aftermath of the fire caused by a vape after it reportedly exploded at a home in Gainsborough (Image: © Cherrie Hall© SWNS ) A fire reportedly caused by an exploding vape has torn through four terraced homes. At least three people had to be taken to hospital after the incident on Grey Street, Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. News emerged today that the blaze broke out at 1pm on Friday. It then spread through three neighbouring properties. Relatives said the vape was being charged on a bed and "set the house on fire". The vape reportedly started emitting smoke. An occupant in the house removed it from the charge but it then reportedly exploded on the resident's hand. Cherrie Hall, who is related to the owner where the fire started, said she is "absolutely devastated". The owner is the grandmother of Cherrie Hall's grandchildren and is currently in hospital. Cherrie said: "I had a phone call from my ex asking if we - me and my partner - could go check his mum's house as he had messages from people mentioning a fire at his mum's. So of course we drove straight round and saw all the fire engines and the firemen, roofs caved in." Article continues below She added: "Luckily the paramedics were already at the house for a separate thing with grandma's health when the vape exploded and set the house on fire. She's absolutely devastated but is so in awe and amazed with the community and how much they've helped all families involved." The three in hospital after thankfully not believed to have life-threatening injuries. A fundraiser has also been set up through GoFundMe to support those affected. Locals have voiced support on social media - offering accommodation, blankets and money to those who lost their homes to the blaze. Helen Tooley, group manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, told the BBC three of the homes were not habitable. Speaking about the fire, she said: "It's gone through the roof spaces, unfortunately. Article continues below "So quite significant damage to those three houses. The fourth one, next to it, there is a hole in the roof, and there was extensive smoke damage as well in that one." She added: "If you are using vapes or any electronic equipment that needs charging, please use the proper chargers. Make sure it's in a safe place. Unplug it if you're not in the room." To visit the GoFundMe page check the link here:
Belfast Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Keir Starmer says Kneecap Glastonbury performance is not ‘appropriate'
Bandmate Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a London show last year. The band – who have publicly spoken out against Israel's military campaign in Gaza – recently called the terrorism charge a 'distraction'. In a previous statement, Kneecap said: 'Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah.' Asked by The Sun if he thought Kneecap should perform at Glastonbury, Starmer said: 'No I don't, and I think we need to come down really clearly on this. 'This is about the threats that shouldn't be made. I won't say too much because there's a court case on, but I don't think that's appropriate.' The band are due to perform at the music festival next Saturday (28 June). The Independent has contacted a representative of Glastonbury for comment. Responding to the prime minister's comments on Saturday evening (21 June), Kneecap wrote on social media: 'You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a f***ing genocide. F*** The Sun and solidarity with Palestine Action.' Earlier this week, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she is preparing to proscribe the direct action group, making it a criminal offence to belong to or support Palestine Action after the group's vandalism of two planes at an RAF base. Israel has strongly denied allegations of genocide. On Saturday (21 June), Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch, who previously called for the group to be banned from the festival, said that the BBC should not broadcast Kneecap's Glastonbury performance. In a post on X, accompanied by an article from the Times that claimed the BBC had not banned the group, Badenoch said: 'The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. 'As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism.' Kneecap Glastonbury slot 'not appropriate', says Starmer A BBC spokesperson told The Guardian: 'As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. 'Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead-up to the festival.' Last year the band won a discrimination case against the UK government after Badendoch tried to block a £14,250 funding award when she was a minister in the previous government. On Wednesday (18 June), Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh at Westminster magistrates court in 'Free Mo Chara' T-shirts. He has been released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on 20 August. Following the hearing, the rapper said: 'For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. 'If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine.' Kneecap have been active since 2017. The band – which is composed of Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J J Ó Dochartaigh – rap mostly in Irish. They released their first single 'CEARTA' (Irish for 'rights') in 2017, followed by their debut album the following year.
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Scotsman
Death Valley cast: who are the actors in BBC show? Prior roles
Death Valley continues this weekend - and it boasts quite the recognisable cast 📺 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Death Valley will continue with another episode this weekend. Timothy Spall headlines the cast - but there are other familiar faces. Here is where you know the actors in the BBC show from. A brand new episode of Death Valley is on the horizon to help round-out your weekend. It follows a pair of mismatched crime fighters in Wales. Timothy Spall leads the cast of the six-part series, however he is not the only recognisable face. The show also includes actors who have appeared in Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter movies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But where exactly do you know the stars of Death Valley from? Here's all you need to know: What to expect from Death Valley tonight? Gwyneth Keyworth and Timothy Spall star in BBC1's new crime comedy-drama Death Valley (Picture: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway) | BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway The show will continue with its fifth episode on BBC One tonight (June 22). The preview, via Radio Times, reads: 'A murder mystery event turns into a real crime scene when a famous Welsh actor and TV detective is found stabbed to death at the dinner table. 'Janie's investigation reveals a feud between siblings warring over property and their family's legacy. John rekindles his fledgling romance with the deceased's sister, but gets a hard lesson in the dangers of living in the past.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What time is Death Valley on TV today? The latest episode of the mystery series will be broadcast on the BBC later today (June 22). It is set to start at 8.15pm and will run for approximately 45 minutes, finishing at 9pm. If you don't want to wait for the rest of the season, the full Death Valley boxset is already available on iPlayer. All six episodes are available to watch right now. Who is in the cast of Death Valley? The show features plenty of familiar faces and recognisable names beyond just Timothy Spall, of course. The BBC has confirmed the main and guest actors: Main cast Timothy Spall as John Chapel Gwyneth Keyworth as DS Janie Mallowan Steffan Rhodri as DCI Barry Clarke Alexandria Riley as Baxter Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry Guest actors Melanie Walters as Yvonne Patricia Hodge as Helena Remy Beasley as Rhiannon Mike Bubbins as Tony Sian Gibson as Wendy Amy Morgan as Sioned Steve Spiers as Lloyd Eryn Kelleher as Ava Nathan Foad as Owen Where do you know the cast of Death Valley? Like his character in the show, Timothy Spall is a national treasure and needs no introduction. However, just in case you may remember him from his award winning role as artist J.M.W Turner in the film Mr Turner - and he was also Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter films. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Spall originally shot to fame as Barry Spencer Taylor in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. He was also part of the cast for The Sixth Commandment in 2023. The other lead actor in the show, Gwyneth Keyworth, may not have quite the same length of career as Timothy Spall but she has had some memorable roles. She played Clea in the fifth season of Game of Thrones, as well as appearing in shows like Defending the Guilty and Misfits. Gavin and Stacey fans will undoubtedly recognise Steffan Rhodri from his iconic turn as Dave Coaches in the legendary sitcom. He also appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. Meanwhile, Alexandria Riley is best known for her role as DI Ella Richards in The Pembrokeshire Murders - for which she was nominated for a BAFTA Cymru award. She also had a role in season two of The End of the F***ing World and plays Camille Sims in the Apple TV show Silo - alongside Rebecca Ferguson. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
