The father of body-in-the cupboard victim, Justin Chant today has said he will fight on for compensation.

Builder Terry Chant and his former wife, Jean, Justin's mother, had applied to the Government-run Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which compensates victims of crime.

But last month, it was announced their second claim for compensation had been refused.

Now, Mr Chant has been given permission for an oral appeal against the decision and it is likely to take place in the next few weeks.

His 24-year-old son, Justin died after being starved and tortured and his emaciated body was found in the hall cupboard at a flat in Byng Close, Thorpe in November, 2000.

Last year, Mr Chant was told his claim for compensation had been refused because of Justin's previous criminal convictions, which included theft and shoplifting,

Mr Chant has always maintained however that his son was forced into crime while under the influence of his domineering killer, Stephen Sullivan who is currently in jail serving a life term.

The CICA claim it would be "inappropriate to make any payment of compensation."

Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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