THE family of murder victim Adam Vincent are calling for you to get behind "Adam's Law" – a drive to change the law governing the way the families of victims of violent crime are compensated.

As reported, Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell has already revealed he is backing the appeal, which was launched after Adam's father, Keith, was refused compensation following his son's murder.

And now, the family is calling on you to do the same, by either signing an online petition set up by Adam's sister Tracy Trigg, or filling in the coupon printed right and sending it to the Grimsby Telegraph.

Already the campaign has gathered the backing of 94 people, with support coming from as far afield as New Zealand and Australia.

As reported, the family suffered the ordeal of the ten-week murder trial into the death and dismemberment of Adam, involving a drugs gang who were sentenced to a total of 129 years.

However, when Keith applied to government body, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), for compensation which he hoped to use to buy Adam a headstone, he was turned down.

In a letter dated January 3, the CICA listed Adam's previous criminal convictions as one of the reasons for refusal.

The family is now appealing this decision and, if rejected, will campaign for new legislation which they hope to call "Adam's Law".

Tracy said: "I decided to set up the petition as there are a lot of families out there in the same situation as us.

"If any prisoners get hurt in prison, they can claim criminal injuries compensation, while they are doing their punishment.

"Everyone has been really supportive over it. So many people have told us that they think the law is wrong, as criminals can claim and families who are continuing to suffer can't.

"We want to try and change the law so families like ours can claim for the loss of their loved ones who are victims of violent crimes.

"It's not about the money, as there will never be enough money in the world to bring Adam back, but if we can change the criminal compensation laws, families like ours could put their loved ones to rest properly."

She also praised Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke for his proposals to make criminals contribute more to funding the compensation scheme.

The Government hopes to take back £50 million a year from offenders through a victim surcharge, increasing the present payment of £15 – which only has to be paid if ordered by the courts – to a compulsory payment of anything up to £120, depending on the severity of the crime. If offenders cannot pay the cash, it could be taken from their benefits or from money earned by working prisoners.

Among those who have already signed the petition is Victoria Tofton, who gave her address as the United Kingdom.

She said: "I think in terms of helping with funerals, it should not matter whether the deceased has been to prison.

"We're all human beings, and the family shouldn't have to be penalised due to the actions of other members of the family."

Heather Davis, also of the United Kingdom, added: "I used to see Adam around Grimsby town centre on a regular basis and, although he never begged, me and my husband would sometimes give Adam enough change to get himself a coffee.

"He was always polite and courteous. I hope this law can and will be changed."

As well as appealing for more people to back their campaign, Tracy said the family was keen to thank all those who have already given their support.

She said: "The support from our friends, family and the public has been wonderful from the start.

"It's amazing how many people liked Adam and the support we have received.

"I would like to say a special thank you to Indy Nijjar, the managing director of Indy N Ink, and his staff for collecting money for the fund for Adam's funeral.

"One of our friends in Ireland also raised money with an online disco, which brought donations from all over the world.

"We cannot ever thank you all enough."

Show your support

You can sign the petition by logging on to www.thepetitionsite.com/1/adams-law-criminal-compensation/ or filling in the coupon printed in today's Grimsby Telegraph and returning it to Adam's Law, Newsroom, Grimsby Telegraph, 80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, DN31 3EH.

A facebook forum has also been set up to discuss the issue. To join the debate, log on to the social networking site and search for Adams law (adam lee vincent).

MP backs Keith Vincent's appeal for change in compensation law