Matthew Schofield: Mother of son who died after attack calls for new law

Since Mr Schofield’s death, Ms Daniels has held two vigils at the site where he was found, both held around the same time he lay on the ground.

She said during a vigil she counted “hundreds of cars” driving by as well as people walking by and she “could only assume” it was as busy as it was the night her son died.

The 53-year-old, who is a registered nurse, said being able to reassure a patient at the end of life was “one of the greatest honours”.

“Everyone should have that. I don’t know how long he suffered, but he was on his own for a long, long time and he didn’t deserve it,” she said.

Professor Sally Kyd, head of Leicester Law School at the University of Leicester, said she did not believe such a bill would receive parliamentary support.

She said: “There are lots of reasons. One is this idea of ​​autonomy, the other is how you would apply it.”

The criminal law professor questioned whether “overstretched” police forces should be finding people who “may have walked past” a person in danger, while also trying to find the perpetrator of a crime.

She added that in previous student discussions, some students felt that “the criminal law should be used to enforce morality,” while others said that “people should be free to go about their business without worry if he gets involved in what could be a dangerous or traumatic situation.”

Ms Daniels’ petition would need at least 10,000 signatures before receiving a response from the government and can only be considered for debate in Parliament after 100,000 signatures.

She said while she knew it would be difficult to achieve, she believed others would agree such a law should be considered.

Leicestershire Police said the investigation into Mr Schofield’s death was ongoing.