Offenders who refuse to face their victims’ families in court for sentencing could face significant consequences under new government changes in England and Wales. Starting next year, judges will have the authority to impose stricter sanctions on inmates who do not attend their sentencing hearings.
New Powers for Judges
The new rules, which will be presented to Parliament on Thursday, expand existing laws that mandate offenders to attend their sentencing or risk facing a fine or an additional two years in jail for contempt of court.
Catherine McKinnell, the prisons minister, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating:
“"Criminals should not be able to pick and choose when they face justice. Refusing to turn up to sentencing is an insult to victims and their families, and offenders must face the consequences."
Details of the Sanctions
Under the revised regulations, judges will be empowered to impose the following penalties:
- Loss of prison privileges for 84 days
- Cell confinement for 21 days
- Loss of social visits for 27 days
- Restriction on visits to once every four weeks for 84 days
