Criminals who skip sentencing will face solitary confinement or lose social visits
Summary
Judges in England and Wales will get new powers next year to punish criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings. These punishments include keeping offenders in solitary confinement for up to three weeks and limiting their social visits. The goal is to make sure offenders face their victims’ families and accept responsibility for their crimes.Key Facts
- New rules start next year for criminals who skip sentencing in England and Wales.
- Judges can put offenders in solitary confinement for up to three weeks if they refuse to attend sentencing.
- Social visits can be banned for nearly a month or reduced to once every four weeks for up to three months.
- Prison privileges can be taken away for longer periods as a punishment.
- Criminals aged 18-20 may face similar restrictions but for shorter times.
- Visits from prisoners’ children will still be allowed despite new restrictions.
- The Ministry of Justice says longer jail time alone does not make offenders attend sentencing.
- Victims’ families and officials support the new laws to make sure offenders face justice.
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