Family Campaigns for ‘Danielle’s Law’ After Sister’s Tragic Death

The family of a woman who died after being left alone in a flat has launched a campaign for legislative change in the UK. Danielle Haggerty, aged 33, was discovered unconscious by police on March 13, 2023, at her boyfriend’s residence in Tameside. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she suffered irreversible brain damage and died on March 16, 2023.

According to an inquest held by the South Manchester Coroners’ Court, a concerned neighbour called emergency services after hearing a disturbance. The police arrived within 15 minutes but found the door locked and received no response from within. They forced entry and found Danielle, who was later taken to Tameside General Hospital. Unfortunately, a CT scan revealed the extent of her injuries, leading to the decision to switch off her life support three days later. The coroner concluded that her death resulted from an act of self-harm during a period of distress linked to a volatile and abusive relationship.

Following her death, Greater Manchester Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) later decided not to file charges. In August 2024, the CPS upheld its decision, citing the suspect’s denial of involvement in Danielle’s self-harm. This left her family devastated, prompting Jonathan Haggerty, Danielle’s brother, to act.

Jonathan has initiated a petition for what he calls “Danielle’s Law,” aimed at making it a criminal offence to abandon someone in immediate danger without seeking help. The petition has already garnered nearly 9,000 signatures. Jonathan emphasized the need for protective legislation, stating, “Other countries have ‘duty to rescue’ laws that protect vulnerable people and encourage intervention to save lives.” He believes that similar laws in the UK could prevent future tragedies like that of his sister.

Describing Danielle as a “lovely girl” and a “brilliant auntie,” Jonathan highlighted her qualities as a caring individual who always looked out for her family. “She was very close to my nan and the sort of person who would just turn up out of the blue with fish and chips for her,” he recalled. Despite personal tragedy, including the deaths of his brother James in a moped accident in Cyprus in 2014 and the suicides of his siblings Victoria and Gareth in 2021 and 2023, Jonathan’s focus remains on effecting change to protect others.

The inquest revealed that Danielle and her boyfriend had a tumultuous relationship marked by incidents of physical abuse. After the emergency call at 16:48, police reached the flat at 17:03, only to be informed that the boyfriend had left. The door was locked, leading officers to force entry at approximately 17:08, where they found Danielle and initiated resuscitation efforts.

Jonathan believes there is a legislative gap that needs addressing. His petition will remain open until June 2025, aiming for 10,000 signatures to prompt a government response and 100,000 for a parliamentary debate. “Since I’ve started the petition, more families have come forward and reached out to us,” he said.

Local Member of Parliament Angela Rayner has expressed her support for the petition, stating, “Jonathan lost his sister Danielle in incredibly tragic and upsetting circumstances, and my heartfelt sympathies are with him and his family.” She is coordinating with Jonathan and her parliamentary colleagues to explore ways to support the family and prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the campaign unfolds, Jonathan is determined to ensure that no other family experiences the heartbreak he has faced. “Seconds matter in these kinds of situations,” he stated, emphasizing the critical importance of responsiveness in emergencies. Through his efforts, he hopes to make a difference that could save lives and promote accountability in crisis situations.