Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he is taking steps to mandate people who have been convicted of crimes to attend court for their sentencing.

The Government appreciates that an offender’s refusal to attend their hearing can cause anger and upset for victims and their families. Offenders should be brought before the court to face the consequences of their crimes.

On 30 August 2023, we announced our intention to introduce a new court order requiring an offender to attend their sentencing hearing. Any offender who refuses to attend will face an additional penalty with a maximum of 24 months’ custody. The measure will apply to all offenders convicted of an offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. In addition, we will include in legislation an express power for judges to require production of offenders for sentencing hearings, and for prison and escort staff to use reasonable force to produce the offender in appropriate circumstances.

It will be a matter for judges to decide whether to issue such an order. Whilst many victims would want to see the offender present, we recognise that there will be circumstances where an offender’s presence may be distressing to victims and their families. Courts must have the discretion to do what is right in each case.