Shropshire Star

April's Law: John Challis supports family's online petition

Actor John Challis has backed a campaign set up by the family of murdered schoolgirl April Jones.

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The actor, best known for playing Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, is the patron of several theatres and supports wildlife charities that look to save animals ranging from rhinos to hedgehogs.

But one of the causes that Mr Challis cares the most about is April's Law.

April's Law is the name given to a campaign to introduce new legislation created in memory of five-year-old April Jones, from Machynlleth, who was abducted and murdered by a paedophile.

Her family and friends are campaigning to force internet search engines to filter out indecent images of children online.

Mr Challis wants local people to help by signing an online petition. People can find details on Twitter @AprilsLawUK or sign the petition at https://petition.par liament.uk/petitions/166711

Mr Challis said: "I would encourage people to support @AprilsLawUK in memory of little April Jones. The family needs a load of signatures so I would encourage people to help them if they can.

"It only takes a minute to sign a petition but the effect of that could be to save a child's life. I would encourage people to be supportive."

Mr Challis is a strong supporter of the campaign and has also sent messages of support to April's family.

April's family started their campaign following the little girl's disappearance on October 1, 2012. Mark Bridger, 46, was subsequently arrested and charged with April's abduction and murder.

On May 30, 2013, Bridger was found guilty of the abduction and murder, in addition to perverting the course of justice. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the trial judge ordering that he never be released from prison.

The campaign for April's Law was started after police discovered an extensive collection of child abuse material on Bridger's computer. Google and Bing have already modified their search engine systems in light of the case.

So far, an online petition calling for the introduction of April's Law, has generated 25,103 signatures but it needs to generate 100,000 for it to be debated in the Houses of Parliament.

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