Measures in the Victims and Courts Bill that give judges powers to require offenders to come to court for sentencing hearings have been welcomed by James Wild MP.
James has campaigned for legislation to give judges the power to require offenders to attend and called for changes after an offender refused to attend a sentencing hearing in Norwich Crown Court for sexual assault of a girl under 13 in West Norfolk.
Under the legislation introduced this week, judges can impose longer sentences or sanctions in jail for those that fail to attend or seek to disrupt hearings.
Commenting James said:
“It is important for public confidence that justice is seen to be done. When defendants hide in their cells and fail to appear for sentencing, they are effectively abusing their victim and the victim’s family once again. These measures will ensure offenders come to court or face a longer sentence or more restrictions in prison.”
After lobbying from James and other MPs the last government brought forward legislation to give judges this power but due to the timing of the general election it did not become law.
