PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Impact on bereaved families of the non-attendance of offenders at sentence hearings (14 June 2023)

That this House notes with deep concern the terrible impact that the non-attendance by an offender at a sentence hearing has on bereaved families; further notes that this non-attendance can significantly affect the wellbeing of bereaved families and impact their process of recovery; places on record the courage and strength shown by Cheryl Korbel and the whole family who experienced this following the devastating loss of their beloved Olivia; pays tribute to the efforts of the bereaved families and campaigners who are fighting for a change to the law; calls on the Government for a change in law to ensure that no bereaved family, who have had to suffer loss and fight for justice for their loved one at the same time, must face this situation at a sentencing ever again; calls on the Secretary of State to meet, and consult fully, with bereaved families and put them at the heart of shaping this change in law; and further calls on the Secretary of State to present legislative options on the attendance of offenders at sentence hearings to the House before the end of the current Parliamentary session.

Sponsored by:
Ian Byrne (Independent)