Judges to get powers to punish offenders who refuse to attend sentencing in England and Wales

Summary

Killers who refuse to attend sentence hearings could be confined to their cell for weeks or lose visiting privileges under new penalties, Sky News reported on Wednesday 21 October. On Thursday 22 October BBC News reported that judges will be given new powers to impose tougher prison punishments, including solitary confinement or the loss of social visits, on offenders who refuse to face their victims' families during sentencing, and The Guardian that the new prison sanctions, coming into effect next year, build on existing laws that order offenders to attend sentencing or face a fine or be jailed for a further two years for contempt of court. The measures are being laid in Parliament, the Evening Standard and The Independent reported, The Independent saying they aim to push killers to come to court, and the Manchester Evening News said the Andy Burnham government announced 'tough new rules' for killers who refuse to attend court, the new powers being due to come into force next year.

Latest: Judges in England and Wales will be given new powers to punish offenders who refuse to face their victims' families during sentencing with solitary confinement or the loss of visits, BBC News and The Guardian reported, the Evening Standard and The Independent saying the measures are being laid in Parliament, and the Manchester Evening News that the new powers are due to come into force next year.

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