Offenders in England and Wales who refuse to attend their sentencing could soon receive an additional two years in prison. A new bill, part of the Victims and Courts Bill, is set to be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday. It aims to give judges stronger powers to deal with absent defendants.
The legislation follows growing public pressure after several killers avoided their sentencing hearings. Victims include Sabina Nessa, Zara Aleena, and Jan Mustafa. Their families campaigned for this change, calling it long overdue.
“This isn’t about punishment through force,” they said in a joint statement. “It’s about making sure perpetrators face the consequences.” They added that it offers victims “a moment of recognition and a form of reparation.”
The new powers will apply to all Crown Court cases. This includes offenders removed from court for disruptive behavior, such as Axel Rudakubana, who was taken out of his hearing after causing a scene.
Those serving whole life orders could lose privileges, such as family visits or extra gym time, instead of receiving more time.
Although current laws allow courts to force attendance, they are rarely used. Mark Fairhurst, Chair of the Prison Officers Association, said restraining someone in court poses risks. He warned it could further traumatize victims and families.
Fairhurst noted that adding two years to long sentences may not be enough. He suggested stronger penalties, like restricting parole or visitation rights, might have more impact.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports the bill. Earlier this year, he met Cheryl Korbel, mother of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was killed in 2022. Olivia’s killer, Thomas Cashman, refused to attend court for sentencing, prompting national outrage.
Anneliese Midgley, Olivia’s MP, praised Cheryl’s campaign. “Sentencing is the end of the justice process,” she said. “That’s why it must be seen by victims.”
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones thanked families for pushing this issue into the spotlight. “Justice isn’t optional,” she said. “We’ll make sure criminals face those they hurt.”
The bill still needs approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before becoming law.
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