Dad campaigns to keep killer of his children behind bars after Cornwall murders
More than 14,000 people have signed an online petition to ensure Lee Ford dies in jail
Last updated 23rd Nov 2021
A dad whose four children and ex-wife were brutally murdered in Cornwall is pleading for their killer never to be released from prison.
Michael Tranter has launched a campaign after the deaths of Lesley and their children, Sarah Jane, 17, Anne Marie, 16, Steven, 14, and 13-year-old Craig, back in 2000.
It happened at Lesley's home in Carnkie near Redruth where the killer, Lesley's husband and the children's stepdad, Lee Ford, then hid their bodies.
He was handed five life sentences to serve a minimum of 27 years, but will be eligible to start applying for parole in the next few years.
An online petition to ensure that Ford dies in jail has now been signed by over 14,000 people.
"To me, life is life"
Michael is calling on everyone who reads the petition to sign it: "Firstly, I'd like everybody to sign it to stop him coming out because that's where he should stay. If he comes out, there's a possibility that he could reoffend. And obviously, for what he's done in the past, it's so, so wrong that he needs to stay where he is.
"I believe that he should never come out of prison. He should stay in prison and this is what the campaign's all about. To me, life is life and I believe in that strongly and I think that's what should happen".
Speaking about the last two decades, Michael described them as incredibly tough: "It's been really hard for 21 years. When everything happened I was in a dark place, I started drinking, I couldn't get myself out. I'm not the same person as I was. I'm always a bit reserved now and I'm always looking over my shoulders for no reason".
Michael's campaign has been backed by his children's school friend: "It's good to see and have a read of memories from my children's friends who were at school. That does help me.
"Although it's still hard for me, I do get some comfort from listening and reading the good times they had together".
The online petition was started by Nicki Budden, whose ex-husband is Lesley Ford's brother.
Writing on the change.org website, Nicki said: "We have to live with what he did for the rest of our lives and feel that he should never be released.
"The effect their deaths had on anyone that knew them was catastrophic. From family to all their school friends.
"He has never given a reason as to why he did what he did or when he actually committed the murders, we don’t even have a day that we can commemorate. He also shows no remorse. We feel if he were released he would still be a danger to the public.
"In the eyes of the law familial crime is not judged the same as stranger killing. In my opinion it’s worse as the person who you loved and trusted the most commits the ultimate betrayal.
"I hope you will all sign this petition to ensure that Lee Ford stays in prison for the rest of his natural life, as someone that planned & executed the murder of five people and then covered it up is beyond words".