By Daniel Edu
The UK’s Ministry of Justice has unveiled plans for legislation that would grant judges the authority to mandate the attendance of criminals at their sentencing hearings. The move is in response to instances where offenders involved in high-profile trials did not appear in court for their sentencing, causing distress to victims’ families and prompting calls for legal reform.
Under the proposed reforms, applicable in England and Wales, judges would have discretionary power to order criminals to be present at their sentencing proceedings. Custody officers would be permitted to employ “reasonable force” to ensure the presence of the criminals either physically in the courtroom or through a video link. This change is intended to ensure that victims and their families witness justice being served.
Criminals who continue to resist attending their sentencing despite a judge’s order could potentially face an additional two years of imprisonment, particularly in cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. Typically, individuals sentenced to life imprisonment have a minimum period to serve before they become eligible for parole consideration.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak remarked on the issue, stating, “It is unacceptable that some of the country’s most horrendous criminals have refused to face their victims in court. They cannot and should not be allowed to take the coward’s way out.”
The government did not provide a specific date for when the legislation will be introduced, but the justice ministry stated that details will be disclosed “in due course.”
While this move aims to ensure accountability and justice for victims, some legal experts have expressed concerns about mandatory attendance for sentencing. These concerns include potential risks of injury to defendants or staff and disruptions to legal proceedings. The government’s initiative to strengthen the criminal justice system through such measures follows accusations of underfunding in the system over the years. Additionally, the government recently announced intentions to enforce more “whole-life orders” for the most heinous offenders, which would ensure they remain in prison for their entire lives without parole eligibility. Presently, around 70 inmates are serving such sentences.
