THE Northern Echo launched its Criminal Injustice campaign last year after discovering the shocking neglect of innocent families whose lives are devastated by violent crime.

We learned there are more than 50 organisations that exist to help the criminal, but only a handful to help, counsel and care for the victims.

We received the backing of voluntary support group the North of England Victims Association to send a letter to Home Secretary Jack Straw highlighting the problems they face and asking for Government help.

The public overwhelmingly backed our campaign, filling out coupons pledging their support.

Dozens of northern MPs, the families of homicide victims and national charities for victims added their voices.

North-East campaigners joined a demonstration which brought London to a standstill in April to demand that more is done for the families of victims of murder and manslaughter. A 10,000-name petition was presented at 10 Downing Street as the campaign continued to gather momentum.

The pressure began to pay off in May, when Home Secretary Jack Straw announced sweeping new measures to give victims the chance to describe the effect of their ordeal to the court.

The move, which was welcomed by delighted campaigners, means that from next year families of victims will be allowed to make powerful statements.

Mr Straw also announced a £50,000 grant initiative for relatives of people who are killed, to help to pay for travel and accommodation costs while they attend trials.

Ann Ming, whose is still fighting to bring the killer of her daughter, Julie Hogg, to justice, said at the weekend: "I have to thank The Northern Echo for everything you have done to help our campaign.

"The fact that you realise there are people supporting you is a great help, and the more The Northern Echo can keep it in the public eye the better."