The heartbroken family of a woman who died after being left alone in a flat in Tameside have issued a poignant plea for legal change, launching a campaign they hope will prevent future tragedies. Danielle Haggerty, described by her loved ones as a 'happy and bubbly' individual, tragically passed away in March 2023, an event that has spurred her brother to advocate for what he terms 'Danielle's Law'.
A Tragic Sequence of Events
On March 13, 2023, a concerned neighbour in Tameside contacted Greater Manchester Police, reporting a disturbance and expressing fear for Danielle's safety. Officers arrived at the flat just fifteen minutes after the call, at approximately 5:03 pm. Finding no response, they forced entry, discovering Danielle inside. Paramedics managed to resuscitate her at the scene around 5:30 pm, but she had already sustained irreversible brain damage. She was taken to Tameside General Hospital, where her life support was withdrawn three days later, on March 16.
Inquest Findings and Family Anguish
An inquest at South Manchester Coroners' Court concluded that Danielle's 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.' The court heard that Danielle and her boyfriend had been in an on-and-off relationship for about three years, described by Assistant Coroner Andrew Bridgman as volatile, with recorded incidents of physical abuse. Police were informed by another neighbour that the boyfriend had left the flat, locking the door behind him.
Following her death, a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewed the evidence but decided not to press charges. The family appealed this decision under the CPS Victims' Right to Review scheme, but the original ruling was upheld in August 2024. A letter from the CPS stated the suspect denied being present when Danielle harmed herself or being involved in any way.
The Campaign for 'Danielle's Law'
Danielle's brother, RAF Sergeant Jonathan Haggerty from Audenshaw, is now spearheading a campaign for legislative change. He has created a parliamentary petition calling for it to be made a criminal offence to 'abandon someone in immediate danger without seeking help.' The petition, which has garnered nearly 9,000 signatures, argues for the introduction of a 'duty to rescue' law in the UK, similar to those in other countries.
'Other countries have ‘duty to rescue’ laws that protect vulnerable people and encourage intervention to save lives,' the petition states. 'Introducing a similar law in the UK would prevent future tragedies and ensure that anyone in immediate danger has someone legally required to try to save them so that no-one would ever be knowingly left alone to die.'
A Family's Legacy of Loss and Love
Jonathan fondly remembers his sister as a 'lovely girl' and a 'brilliant auntie'. Danielle, a trained hairdresser brought up in Ashton-under-Lyne and living in Glossop, was known for her generous spirit. 'She was just a happy, bubbly person who would do anything for anyone,' Jonathan said. 'She was very close to my nan and she was the sort of person who would just turn up out of the blue with fish and chips for my nan. She loved dancing and was really into her Elvis.'
In a final act of generosity, Danielle's organs were donated after her death, saving the lives of three people. 'That’s something I know she would be extremely proud of,' Jonathan reflected. 'One last gift from her.' Tragically, Danielle's death is the fourth tragedy to strike the Haggerty family; her siblings Victoria and Gareth took their own lives in 2021 and 2023, and another brother, James, died in a moped accident in Cyprus in 2014.
Building Momentum and Political Support
Jonathan's petition will remain open until June this year. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, the government must respond; at 100,000, it could be debated in Parliament. 'It won’t bring Danielle back and it won’t bring any justice,' Jonathan acknowledged. 'However it could stop other families going through this and could prevent other people being left. It could save lives because people know they’ll be held accountable.' He emphasised that 'seconds matter in these kinds of situations' and that 'a single phone call could save a life.'
Since launching the campaign, Jonathan has connected with other families in similar circumstances, forming a support and strategy group. Local MP and former Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner has offered her support. 'Jonathan lost his sister Danielle in incredibly tragic and upsetting circumstances and my heartfelt sympathies are with him and his family,' Ms Rayner stated. 'I am in contact with Jonathan and I am working with my parliamentary colleagues to see how together we can best support the family and help to prevent future tragedies.'
The family's campaign highlights a perceived gap in UK legislation, aiming to ensure that no one is ever knowingly abandoned in a moment of crisis, turning personal grief into a powerful call for societal change.
