Judges to be given new powers under proposed laws, after high-profile offenders failed to appear for hearings
Judges will be given the power to order an offender to attend a sentencing hearing, including by force if necessary, under new laws proposed by the Ministry of Justice.
If a criminal resists attending their sentencing despite a judge’s order, they will face an extra two years behind bars. This new penalty will apply in cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment, including serious sexual or violent crimes such as murder, rape and grievous bodily harm with intent.
Letby provoked outrage earlier this month when she failed to appear for her sentencing. She was handed a whole-life order for murdering seven babies and trying to kill another six.Judges would have the discretion to use the new powers as they saw fit to ensure justice was done, the MoJ said, adding this could include not ordering offenders to attend in cases where it was expected that they would cause significant disruption that would distress victims and their families.
Labour’s Steve Reed, the shadow justice secretary, said: “It is disrespectful and grossly offensive to victims that brutal murderers, terrorists and rapists can refuse to face the consequences of their crimes in court.
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