Mum of tragic baby campaigns to ban parental rights for those who kill or harm children

A mother whose son died after being abused by his father is leading a campaign to strip abusive parents of legal rights over their children, arguing that current laws fail to protect vulnerable minors from further trauma. Jo Early, 54, is pushing for legislation that would automatically remove parental responsibilities from individuals convicted of harming their children, following the case of her ex-husband, Gavin Gibbs, who caused grievous bodily harm to their son Charlie before being released from prison. Early’s campaign comes after Gibbs, who was jailed for breaking Charlie’s arm, retained legal rights to maintain contact with their daughter Abi, now 18. The mother described the situation as deeply troubling, stating it was inappropriate for Gibbs to continue communicating with Abi even after his conviction. She argued that allowing perpetrators access to their children, especially younger ones, can inflict lasting psychological harm. The tragedy began in 2008 when Early and Gibbs welcomed twins, Abi and Charlie. Three months later, Charlie suffered severe injuries, including a broken arm, which led to his admission to Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, with bronchiolitis. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was placed on life support. Early recalled the horror of witnessing her son’s final moments, describing how she collapsed upon seeing him on a ventilator in the hospital. Gibbs was initially sentenced to three years in prison for grievous bodily harm but had his term reduced to two years on appeal. He served just over a year before being released. During his time in custody, he reportedly expressed remorse, whispering “please forgive me” as Charlie’s life support was turned off. Despite this, Gibbs maintained legal rights over Abi, which allowed him to send her cards and gifts twice a year until her 18th birthday. Abi, now an adult, shared her perspective on the emotional toll of receiving communications from Gibbs. She described opening cards scented with his aftershave as both thrilling and heartbreaking. Growing up without a father figure, she found herself imagining what it might be like to have one, a fantasy that was ultimately painful. Her experiences have become central to her mother’s advocacy, as she believes the proposed law could prevent similar suffering for other children. Early has been lobbying key figures in British politics, including Baroness Alison Levitt KC and Victims’ Rights Commissioner Claire Waxman, to support her cause. She is urging lawmakers to amend the Courts and Tribunals Bill currently under consideration or introduce a standalone Parental Responsibility Act. Her goal is to ensure that parents who commit serious crimes against their children lose all legal authority over their offspring, particularly younger siblings. Current legislation only removes parental rights when a person is convicted of killing their partner, known as “Jade’s Law,” named after Jade Ward, who was murdered in 2021. Early argues that this provision should be expanded to include those who harm their children, emphasizing the need for stricter protections for minors. Her campaign gained momentum after meeting Gibbs at the London Ambulance Service, where she worked in the control center and he was a paramedic. Their relationship ended shortly after the twins’ birth, but the scars of the tragedy remain. Early recalls the joy of welcoming her children, describing it as the happiest day of her life. However, that happiness was shattered within months by the loss of Charlie. The case highlights the complex interplay between legal rights and emotional trauma, raising questions about how justice systems balance accountability with the well-being of children. As Early continues her efforts, she hopes to see legislative change that prioritizes the safety and mental health of future generations.