The parents of tragic teenager Aimee Wellock today urged Home Secretary John Reid to change the law to protect victims like their daughter.

Jackie and Alan Wellock wrote to Mr Reid and Prime Minister Tony Blair in August, calling for stiffer punishments in similar cases. Mr Blair has now sent a reply, which includes a handwritten note promising that Aimee's case will be taken into account in a review of the criminal justice system.

He also wrote: "We are considering legislation in the next Queen's Speech."

But the couple, who live in Canford Drive, Allerton, Bradford, say they need action rather than words. Mrs Wellock said: "I feel Mr Blair has given it his personal attention and his reply is sincere, but I don't know whether it furthers our cause or campaign.

"It is disappointing that he didn't say that he will sort it. We will probably write again to the Home Secretary.

"It is his responsibility and we want him to take the action that is needed."

Aimee, 15, collapsed and died from a rare heart condition in June last year after running from a gang who had attacked her at the Chellow Dene beauty spot.

Claire Carey, 19, and two girls aged 17 and 15, were found guilty of manslaughter but their convictions were quashed by the Court of Appeal which concluded they could not have foreseen Aimee was vulnerable. They were given sentences ranging from youth custody to a supervision order for affray and are now all free and back in Bradford.

In his letter, Mr Blair agreed the criminal justice system appeared weighted in favour of the offender and said the Government had been working hard to balance that.

He also accepted the Government must do more about anti-social behaviour.

He personally wrote he was "shocked" that Aimee's attackers could be free from any restrictions a year after her death.

A Home Office spokesman said the letter from 10 Downing Street was a reply from both the Prime Minister and Home Secretary and had been seen by Mr Reid.

e-mail: steve.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk