Home Secretary tells family of woman who died in speedboat crash there is 'no hiding place' for her fugitive killer

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has told the family of a woman killed in a speedboat crash “there is no hiding place” for her fugitive killer.

On Tuesday, Mr Javid met the family of 24-year-old Charlotte Brown who died after a boat belonging to Jack Shepherd flipped into the River Thames during a first date in December 2015.

Shepherd, 31, went on the run before his Old Bailey trial in July last year.

He was sentenced in his absence to six years in prison for manslaughter by gross negligence.

Local MP James Brokenshire (left) with the family of Charlotte Brown, father Graham Brown (centre) and sister Katie (right), who died following a speedboat crash on the River Thames. (PA)
Local MP James Brokenshire (left) with the family of Charlotte Brown, father Graham Brown (centre) and sister Katie (right), who died following a speedboat crash on the River Thames. (PA)

Speaking outside Parliament, Ms Brown’s father Graham Brown said he had met with Mr Javid to discuss the operation to catch Shepherd.

"The Home Secretary has underlined his personal commitment to see that the current manhunt is given the necessary resources and priority required,” he said.

"Our message is clear - there can be no hiding place for Jack Shepherd.

"No one should give support, assistance or encouragement to him other than to do what he should have done in the first instance, which is to hand himself in."

He added: "Jack Shepherd was able to abscond whilst on unconditional bail.

"The police and other agencies have a responsibility to do whatever it takes to ensure that justice is served."

Fugitive killer Jack Shepherd (PA)
Fugitive killer Jack Shepherd (PA)

Ms Brown's mother Roz Wickens and sister Katie also attended the meeting.

The police have assured the family that "everything which can be done is being done", Mr Brown said, adding: "They are following a number of leads."

Previously, police have said they have "no idea" of Shepherd's whereabouts.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid (PA)
Home Secretary Sajid Javid (PA)

Mr Brown said: "The intervention of the Home Secretary, with the aid of our MP, has been most welcome by the family.

"We are grateful that the Home Secretary has got involved in this manner."

Uncorroborated theories have put web designer Shepherd in locations including Turkey, Thailand and Georgia.

Mr Brown described his daughter as a "beautiful soul", adding: "We miss Charlotte every day.

"The lapse of time does not temper the rawness and the pain of our loss."