Judges will be able to give extra punishments to criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearing as part of new measures being introduced today by the Government
“For too long, cowardly criminals have got away with not facing their victims in court.In opposition, I promised victims and families I would change that. Now, I am.Our new measures will force offenders to attend their sentencing hearing – or face tougher penalties.” said the Prime Minister Kier Starmer
Courts will be able to use ‘reasonable’ physical force on offenders or the threat of increased jail time and loss of privileges.
The move comes after a series of high profile offenders refusing to face victims’ families sparked a public outcry, and calls by campaigners for a change in the law.
Under the new legislation, judges will be given the power to sentence offenders for up to two more years in prison for avoiding justice.
For those who already face lengthy imprisonment or whole life orders, judges could also impose a range of prison punishments on offenders such as confinement to their cells and being stripped of privileges such as extra gym time.
But Mark Fairhurst from the Prison Officers Association told the BBC that the punishment should be harsher with restrictions on family visits for prisoners
