A DOMESTIC abuse campaigner who successfully fought for a woman’s “right to know” after his daughter was brutally murdered by an ex-partner has died.

Michael Brown, 76, died at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield on Saturday, with his family at his bedside, following a short illness.

The former prison officer, originally from Aberdeen, campaigned for the introduction of “Clare’s Law” named after his daughter, Clare Wood, which allows people to find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence.

The 36-year-old mother-of-one was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, George Appleton, in Salford in 2009.

Mr Brown’s sister, Carol Whicher, said: “Michael never stopped fighting after he lost his daughter Clare in such horrific circumstances.

“He didn’t want anyone else to suffer the same fate she did and always said if he could save just one person from a life of domestic abuse then his campaigning had been worth it.”

After lobbying politicians and the media, Mr Brown said he was “quietly delighted” about Clare’s Law, or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) coming into force in England and Wales in March 2014.

The scheme enables victims and potential victims to obtain information about a partner’s previous conviction, enabling them to make an informed decision as to whether to remain in the relationship.

Mr Brown was also patron of Bolton-based domestic violence charity, Endeavour.

Speaking after his death, Jill Caldwell, CEO of the organisation, paid tribute to him.

She said: "Michael was a powerhouse, no one who heard him speak could fail to be moved by the passion and drive he brought to his campaigning.

"Driven by the appalling loss of his daughter Clare, Michael had the determination that everyone had the right to know about the violent past of a partner.

"After the best part of a decade Clare’s Law will finally become enshrined into law as part of the Domestic Abuse Bill currently going through parliament.

"There is no doubt Clare’s Law saves lives. We and agencies like ours speak to people about disclosures every single day and offer the support they need to escape an abusive situation.

"Thank you Michael, you were exceptional and will be sorely missed by many. Your legacy has saved hundreds and will save thousands more."

Earlier this year, Mr Brown, from south Elmsall, West Yorkshire, received a British Citizenship award.

Clare’s Law came into force in England in 2014, Scotland in 2016 and Northern Ireland in 2018. It is also being trialled in Australia, Australia and Canada.

Ms Wood was killed by a man who became known as the “Facebook fugitive”.

In the days after her murder, detectives issued a warning that her ex-boyfriend might attempt to communicate with other women via the internet.

Unbeknown to Miss Wood, Appleton, from Salford, had a history of violence towards women.

He was found six days after her murder, hanged in a derelict pub.

Miss Wood’s family’s campaign was also taken up at the time by Salford and Eccles Labour MP Hazel Blears and backed by police and then-home secretary Theresa May, who agreed to run the pilot.