Saward was victim of Ealing vicarage rape, one of the most notorious sexual crimes in recent history

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Tributes have been paid to Jill Saward, who became a campaigner against sexual violence after she was raped in her father’s west London vicarage more than 30 years ago, following her death from a stroke at the age of 51.

Saward said 10 years ago that she did not want to be known for ever as “the Ealing vicarage rape victim” after she endured one of the most notorious sexual crimes in recent history. “Something different would be nice. But it’s not going to happen now.”



Her family said in a statement: “It is with deep shock and great sadness that we must announce that Jill Saward (Jill Drake) died this morning in New Cross hospital, Wolverhampton, following a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Tuesday.”



The family had “readily agreed to Jill’s desire to be an organ donor,” the statement said. “Jill dedicated the past 30 years of her life to helping other people. It gives us great comfort to know that our wonderful wife, mother and sister was able to help other people to the very end.



“We would like to thank all those who contributed to her medical care in recent days. We are also so very grateful for the many expressions of prayer, love and support we have received.”



The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said Saward was a “courageous campaigner for the rights of sexual assault survivors”. Jeremy Wright, the attorney general, said: “Her tireless campaigning opened the eyes of many politicians.”

Saward devoted much to her life to campaigning for the rights of rape survivors after what became widely known as the “Ealing vicarage rape”.



The then 21-year-old was at home with her father Michael, the vicar of St Mary’s Ealing, and her boyfriend, David Kerr, when a gang armed with knives broke in around lunchtime on 6 March 1986.

Two of the balaclava-wearing men repeatedly raped her before tying her up with a skipping rope; another two beat her father and boyfriend with the vicar’s cricket bat, leaving them close to death.



At the Old Bailey trial the following year, the judge, Sir John Leonard, caused an outcry when sentencing the men. He told Saward’s assailants: “Because I have been told the trauma suffered by the victim was not so great … I shall take a lenient course with you.”



Leonard, who later regretted his comment, handed down longer sentences for burglary than for rape. The gang leader, Robert Horscroft, who did not take part in the rape, was jailed for 14 years. One of the rapists, Martin McCall, was sentenced to five years for the sex crime and five years for burglary to run concurrently. The second rapist, Christopher Byrne, was jailed for three years for rape and five years for burglary and assault.

The case contributed to a change in the law allowing prosecutors to appeal for longer sentences.

The prime minister and the leader of the opposition at the time highlighted the case. Margaret Thatcher expressed “deep concern” about the crime of rape, and Neil Kinnock criticised the sentences for being too lenient.

The media also came in for criticism for publishing details that allowed Saward to be easily identified. Saward said soon afterwards: “This was very distressing both to myself and my family, and the manner in which some newspapers conveyed this information was highly insensitive and offensive.”

In 1990, Saward waived her right to anonymity when she published her book, Rape: My Story. She said she had suffered nightmares and flashbacks after the attack and had considered suicide.



“Rape changes your life. You can never be the same as you were before,” she told the Daily Telegraph in 2006.

But she also forgave her attackers. “It’s not a question of whether you can or can’t forgive. It’s a question of whether you will or won’t,” she said.



“Sometimes I thought it might be quite nice to be full of hatred and revenge. But I think it creates a barrier and you’re the one who gets damaged in the end. So, although it makes you vulnerable, forgiving is actually a release. I don’t think I’d be here today without my Christian faith. That’s what got me through.”



Saward helped to train judges and police officers on sexual violence issues, gave talks in schools, sat on government bodies considering changes to policy and made countless media appearances recounting her experience.

“It doesn’t hurt me any more. I can be dispassionate. It’s history; a story I can tell from a distance,” she said.

She called for a “ladder of sexual offences” to allow judges to make distinctions between types of rape. “Some activists will say any rape is violent, but there is a difference where weapons are involved and you fear for your life,” she said.

In 2015 she spoke out against proposals to grant anonymity to suspects accused of sexual violence offences.

Among those paying tribute were broadcaster Nicky Campbell:

Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) I'm devastated to hear that Jill Saward has died. She was a beautiful, remarkable and inspiring human being. A courageous hero of our times

Arun Arora, the Church of England’s director of communications, said: “Jill was a truly brave woman who campaigned tirelessly on behalf of victims of sexual violence.

“Her courage, fortitude and commitment made her an outstanding campaigner as well as a loyal friend to many. She was much loved and respected and will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched.”

Alison Boydell, of the campaign group Jurors Understanding Rape Is Essential Standard, which Saward co-founded, said: “Jill was an indefatigable advocate for victim-survivors of sexual violence and dedicated her life to campaigning and raising awareness of rape and sexual violence.

“She also championed many other campaigns and causes and supported so many through her work, kindness and compassion.”

A spokeswoman for Rape Crisis England and Wales said Saward had been “a good friend and valued supporter over three decades.

“Jill was able to step outside of her own harrowing experience to highlight the needs and rights of all those impacted by sexual violence … Jill was courageous, pioneering and an inspiration. She will be sorely missed.”

She leaves a husband, Gavin Drake, three sons, and three siblings.