PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(20 January 2025)
Question Asked
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to give courts powers to order offenders' attendance at sentencing hearings.
Asked by:
Patrick Hurley (Labour)
Asked by:
Patrick Hurley (Labour)
Answer
Offenders who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings deny victims and their families the opportunity to explain how their crimes have impacted their lives. This Government wants victims to have faith that justice will be delivered and to see criminals face the consequences of their actions.
The Government is committed to legislating to enhance court powers to require offenders to attend their sentencing hearings. This measure will be included in the Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill which is due to be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.
Answered by:
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