A grieving RAF sergeant has launched a campaign to change the law after his sister died following being found alone and unconscious at her boyfriend's flat. Danielle Haggerty, 33, was discovered after police forced entry to a property in Tameside on March 13, 2023, following a 999 call from a concerned neighbour. Although paramedics revived her, she had suffered irreversible brain damage and died three days later when life support was withdrawn.
An inquest heard that the neighbour contacted emergency services after hearing a disturbance and said he feared for Danielle's safety. Police arrived just over 15 minutes later but received no response. Officers forced entry and Danielle was taken to Tameside General Hospital, where she died on March 16. The coroner ruled her death was 'the unintended outcome of an act of self-harm at a time of distress, in the context of a volatile and abusive relationship, and in the immediate aftermath of a violent argument.'
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following her death. However, the Crown Prosecution Service later decided no charges would be brought. The family challenged the decision through the CPS's Victims Right to Review scheme, but were told in August 2024 that it had been upheld. The CPS said multiple potential offences had been considered but concluded the original decision was correct.
Now Danielle's brother, Jonathan Haggerty, is calling for legal reform through what he has named 'Danielle's Law'. The RAF sergeant launched a parliamentary petition calling for it to become a criminal offence to 'abandon someone in immediate danger without seeking help.' The petition has attracted close to 9,000 signatures and argues that other countries have 'duty to rescue' laws that protect vulnerable people and encourage intervention to save lives.
Jonathan described his sister, a hairdresser from Ashton-under-Lyne, as a 'lovely girl' and a 'brilliant auntie'. He said she was a happy, bubbly person who would do anything for anyone. Danielle went on to save three lives through organ donation. 'That's something I know she would be extremely proud of,' Jonathan said. 'One last gift from her.'
