The new Bill aims to address the issue of “cowardly criminals” who have historically avoided facing the consequences of their actions by not showing up to court
In a groundbreaking move to ensure justice is served and to support victims of crime, the UK government has introduced a new Bill that will compel criminals to attend their sentencing hearings. This marks a significant shift in the justice system, as judges will now have the authority to impose prison sentences on offenders who attempt to evade justice by not attending their hearings.
The new Bill aims to address the issue of “cowardly criminals” who have historically avoided facing the consequences of their actions by not showing up to court. Under the new legislation, judges will have the power to impose a range of prison sanctions, including additional years behind bars, on offenders who refuse to attend their sentencing. This measure is particularly significant for those facing long sentences or Whole Life Orders, who may not be deterred solely by the prospect of extended imprisonment.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, emphasised the importance of this reform, stating, “This Bill will deliver long overdue reforms to ensure victims see justice done and are given the vital support they need as they rebuild their lives. There is still more work to do as we fix a justice system that was left on the brink of collapse, but this Bill is a step towards rebuilding victims’ confidence through our Plan for Change.”
The Bill extends the eligibility for these sanctions to all cases in the Crown Court, meaning that any offender attempting to evade justice could face tough consequences. These include confinement to their cell, loss of privileges such as extra time in the gym, and up to two additional years in prison. Offenders who exhibit disruptive or disrespectful behaviour in court, leading to their removal from the courtroom, will also be subject to these sanctions.
Minister Davies-Jones expressed gratitude to the families of victims such as Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Jan Mustafa, Sabina Nessa, and Zara Aleena, who have campaigned tirelessly for this change. “Justice isn’t optional – we’ll make sure criminals face their victims,” Davies-Jones said.
The Bill also includes measures to protect victims by automatically restricting parental responsibility for offenders convicted of serious sexual abuse offences against their own children. This will prevent predatory parents from interfering in their child’s life, allowing families to move forward more easily.
London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, praised the new legislation, stating, “For too long, offenders found guilty of some of the most heinous crimes have refused to attend sentencing hearings and face justice, their victims, and their victims’ families. I have worked closely with Jebina Islam, Farah Naz, and Ayse Hussein in spearheading this campaign and I want to pay tribute to their tireless campaigning, and also thank the family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who have fought so hard for this.”
Waxman highlighted the importance of the new powers given to the Victims’ Commissioner, who will now be able to play a greater role in individual cases that raise systemic issues. “This Bill will also bring in other important reforms I have long called for, such as measures to remove parental responsibility from convicted child sex offenders, to ensure these victims are better protected, and new powers to strengthen the vital work of the Victims’ Commissioner,” she said.
The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, welcomed the reforms, stating, “These important and welcome reforms give the Victims’ Commissioner the statutory powers needed to deliver on the role’s promise: championing victims’ rights, scrutinising compliance with the Victims’ Code, holding agencies to account, and spotlighting the true victim experience to drive meaningful change. This marks a step towards a more accountable system that puts victims first.”
The new Bill is a significant step towards fulfilling the government’s manifesto commitments and its Plan for Change. It aims to give victims greater confidence in the justice system by ensuring that criminals are held accountable and that victims’ rights are protected. The Victims’ Commissioner will also be required to produce an independent report on compliance with the Victims’ Code, holding agencies accountable for their statutory obligations.
Overall, the new legislation represents a significant overhaul of the justice system, focusing on the needs of victims and ensuring that justice is not only served but also seen to be done.
