Criminals to be forced to attend sentencing under new powers

Judges in England and Wales will have the power to compel serious offenders to attend their sentencing hearing under the UK Government’s proposed new legislation.

The announcement comes just nine days after serial baby killer Lucy Letby refused to attend her sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, and one year after the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

Olivia’s mother Cheryl Korbel has been a key campaigner for this new legislation since Olivia’s killer Thomas Cashman refused to enter the dock to hear his life sentence and the impact of his crimes on the victim’s family.

Under the Ministry of Justice’s new proposals custody officers would have the power to use “reasonable force” to ensure those awaiting sentencing appear in the dock or by video link.

Those convicted could face an extra two years in prison if they ignore the judge’s order.

Report by Jonesia.

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