This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/lancashire/8320895.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Child killer in legal bid to vote Child killer in legal bid to vote
(20 minutes later)
A child murderer who is campaigning for prisoners to have the right to vote has taken his case to the High Court.A child murderer who is campaigning for prisoners to have the right to vote has taken his case to the High Court.
Peter Chester, from Blackpool, was jailed for life in 1978 for the rape and murder of his seven-year-old niece Donna Marie Gillbanks.Peter Chester, from Blackpool, was jailed for life in 1978 for the rape and murder of his seven-year-old niece Donna Marie Gillbanks.
He was told he would serve at least 20 years but remains in jail having made six failed parole bids and an appeal application to the Civil Appeal Court.He was told he would serve at least 20 years but remains in jail having made six failed parole bids and an appeal application to the Civil Appeal Court.
The judge said if Chester won his case all UK inmates would be able to vote.The judge said if Chester won his case all UK inmates would be able to vote.
Mr Justice Burton added: "That would allow each and every resident on HM Prisons to vote.Mr Justice Burton added: "That would allow each and every resident on HM Prisons to vote.
It makes me sick, why should he have the right to vote? June Gillbanks, Peter Chester's brother It makes me sick, why should he have the right to vote? June Gillbanks, Peter Chester's sister
"That's going to let in every single prisoner, even life prisoners with a minimum term of life"."That's going to let in every single prisoner, even life prisoners with a minimum term of life".
At present, under a law dating back to 1870, anyone serving a jail term is banned from voting.At present, under a law dating back to 1870, anyone serving a jail term is banned from voting.
But Chester, who has now served more than 30 years in prison, claimed it contravenes his human rights.But Chester, who has now served more than 30 years in prison, claimed it contravenes his human rights.
Donna Marie Gillbanks was seven when she was murdered in her bedDonna Marie Gillbanks was seven when she was murdered in her bed
Chester, an inmate at HMP Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, applied to Wakefield Council to be added to the electoral roll but the request was refused, prompting his High Court challenge to see the law changed.Chester, an inmate at HMP Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, applied to Wakefield Council to be added to the electoral roll but the request was refused, prompting his High Court challenge to see the law changed.
His niece Donna Marie was found strangled in her bed on 29 October 1977.His niece Donna Marie was found strangled in her bed on 29 October 1977.
The girl's mother, June Gillbanks, who is Chester's sister, claimed her brother wants prisoners to have the opportunity to vote in the next general election, in which a change of government would bring a new justice secretary.The girl's mother, June Gillbanks, who is Chester's sister, claimed her brother wants prisoners to have the opportunity to vote in the next general election, in which a change of government would bring a new justice secretary.
The justice secretary is responsible for the Prison Service and makes the final decision on inmates applying for parole.The justice secretary is responsible for the Prison Service and makes the final decision on inmates applying for parole.
Ms Gillbanks, who lives in Blackpool, told BBC News: "It makes me sick, why should he have the right to vote?Ms Gillbanks, who lives in Blackpool, told BBC News: "It makes me sick, why should he have the right to vote?
"I'm not sure tax payers will be happy a child killer is fighting the legal system, while they foot the bill.""I'm not sure tax payers will be happy a child killer is fighting the legal system, while they foot the bill."
The hearing is expected to last two days.The hearing is expected to last two days.